The first Ubuntu-powered device will finally be available in early 2015, even though we expected to see it unveiled by the end of this year. Either the hardware “isn’t there yet”; or it’s not as easy to make everything run smoothly on a mobile phone, and then move it to the big screen experience where “regular” Ubuntu apps should run properly.
In any case, the first Ubuntu-powered Meizu phone will be officially announced in the first quarter of 2015, as the two CEOs have met to share the big news with the world.
While we wait for that device, we wanted to remind you about 3 things that will make the Ubuntu phone one of the best devices, ever. Here they are:
1. Ubuntu will provide us with one device for all our needs
The main feature of an Ubuntu-powered smartphone is that we’ll get a single device for all our needs. When you’re out and about, you’ll use it as a regular phone; when you’re at home or in the office, you’ll be able to put the device in a dedicated dock that is connected to the monitor and get a full-blown PC. All of the files you were able to access on the phone are here and readily accessible from the desktop experience. This is what convergence is all about.
2. Apps and more apps
Ubuntu comes with its own app eco-system, but as far as I’ve understood – the Ubuntu phone will also be able to run Android apps. Even if this capability doesn’t come preloaded out of box, it’s just a matter of time when it’s added, allowing Android users to rely on all of their apps. This in turn makes switching to a new platform as seamless as possible.
3. It was worth the wait?
The main problem an Ubuntu-powered device could have is performance. That’s why I think it was worth waiting for the first such device. We need faster processors to get a smooth user experience. If we could take today’s ARM-based Chromebooks as a reference point, we can see that ARM-based chips are “still not there,” often lacking in performance (when compared to their Intel-powered counterparts). We can only hope that Meizu’s Ubuntu phone will be powered by Qualcomm’s potent Snapdragon 810 SoC to deliver the goodies.
Final word: I can’t wait to try out the first Ubuntu phone. How about you – are you going to get the first Ubuntu smartphone once it’s out?