What is Ubuntu for Android?
How would you like a PC that fits in your pocket? For the lowdown on Ubuntu for Android, in terms your grandma could understand, watch this short video. And for news on Ubuntu for Android products, watch this space.The full PC desktop for multi-core Android phones
Now multi-core Android phones can be PCs too. Ubuntu for Android enables
high-end Android handsets to run Ubuntu, the world’s favourite free PC
desktop operating system. So users get the Android they know on the
move, but when they connect their phone to a monitor, mouse and
keyboard, it becomes a PC.
Features and specifications
A complete Ubuntu desktop for docked Android phones
Ubuntu for Android provides a full desktop experience, including office software, web browsing, email and media applications, on Android phones docked to a screen and keyboard. Thanks to tight integration with the Android service layer, the transition between the two environments is seamless, making it easy to access the phone's services from the desktop when docked.Secure full-featured web
Sit back and enjoy a full desktop browser for multi-tab,
multi-window web productivity. Ubuntu supports both Chromium and
Firefox, the world's fastest browsers, and is naturally resistant to web
malware, which is why enterprises and governments are adopting Ubuntu
on desktops.
Surf on the move with the Android browser, then dock to continue
your session on the desktop. You get the same web pages, the same
bookmarks and the same browsing history, with all the real-estate of a
desktop. Using web applications with a full keyboard and mouse is so
much better than a tablet when you're at a desk, even in a hotel.
Unified contacts
Both Ubuntu and Android access the same mobile address book. So even when the phone is docked, you can view, edit, call, text or email a contact. You can even check their profiles on Facebook or Twitter.Calendar coordination
As with your contacts, your Android calendar data is shared with Ubuntu. This enables synchronisation with any desktop or web-based calendar application, like Google Calendar.
Messaging and calls
Read and reply to incoming SMS messages from the desktop, using Ubuntu's message indicator. You can also make and receive calls via the desktop - and you'll be alerted to voicemails so you can manage them while you work.
Simple integrated settings
Alarm clock settings on the phone can be synchronised to alert you when working in the Ubuntu environment. You'll have one place to enter wifi passwords and one place to pair your bluetooth headset, then everything just works.Photos
Manage and view photos stored on your smartphone using the Ubuntu Gallery application. Then edit them on the Ubuntu desktop and save them back to the phone. Create, edit and consume, all on one device.Social networking services
All your Android social network account credentials are synchronised seamlessly, using the Ubuntu social networking client to provide easy access to your online communities.
Default applications
Chromium web browser
Google Calendar
Google Docs
Thunderbird email client
Gwibber
VLC Player
PiTiVi
Ubuntu Music Player
Ubuntu Photo Gallery
Android dialer
Technical specifications
Ubuntu for Android requires minimal custom hardware enablement, allowing fast and cost-efficient core integration. It requires a core based on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or any subsequent version.Ubuntu and Android share the same kernel. When docked, the Ubuntu OS boots and runs concurrently with Android. This allows both mobile and desktop functionality to co-exist in different runtimes.
Shared services and applications are delivered using a Convergence API module which ensures the tight integration between desktop and mobile environments. Work is balanced across the cores of the phone. When the handset is not docked, both CPU cores transfer their full power to Android.