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Ubuntu has been successfully ported to the Motorola Xoom. The tablet device will be the playground of many hackers and tinkerers who can easily unlock the bootloader and root the device. For Ubuntu, the process requires you to run the Linux OS in a virtual mode that is similar to a Virtual Machine on a Windows or Linux machine. The Xoom is powered by an Arm-based CPU and not an x86 processor so this install on the Xoom requires the Arm version of the Linux distro. The files needed for the install total about 600 MB and unpack on the device to over 2 GB.
The procedure is fairly complicated, but doable for anyone with technical knowledge of Android and Linux. This hack does not bring a lot to the table for the average user but it is fun and one those things you do just because you can. It is not the first time Ubuntu has landed on a mobile device. Earlier hackery has ported the Linux build to the Nexus One and the HTC HD2. If anyone has the time and gumption to install Ubuntu on their Xoom, hit us up in the comments and let us know how it goes.
[Via Thomas Sohmers]
About The Author
Kelly Hodgkins
Kelly spent the last four years covering mobile technology at places like BGR, Gizmodo and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. Before writing, she spent a few years working with and teaching others how to use Adobe Flash and Macromedia Director. Even earlier than that, she spent several years as a Ph.D student in Microbiology. When she's not writing, she can be found fishing the lakes and hiking the mountains of Western Maine with her husband and tribe of children. You can follow her on Twitter @kellyhodgkins.
