It has been revealed this week that a copy of the Ubuntu Touch operating system has been successfully ported to the Sony Xperia Z Tablet.
Ubuntu Touch operating system is a mobile interface for Ubuntu developed by Canonical. The interface has been designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, based on the desktop Unity interface. This development marks a significant milestone for both the Ubuntu community and Sony Xperia Z Tablet users, as it opens up new possibilities for customization and functionality on the device.
Features of Ubuntu Touch on Sony Xperia Z Tablet
Ubuntu Touch offers a unique user experience that is different from the traditional Android operating system found on most tablets. The interface is sleek and intuitive, designed to make the most of touchscreen capabilities. Some of the key features include:
– Scopes: These are a unique feature of Ubuntu Touch, providing a unified view of content from various sources. For example, you can have a music scope that aggregates music from your local storage, online streaming services, and more.
– Gestures: Ubuntu Touch relies heavily on gestures for navigation. Swiping from the edges of the screen allows you to switch between apps, access settings, and more.
– Convergence: One of the most ambitious features of Ubuntu Touch is its convergence capability. This means that the same OS can run on a phone, tablet, or even a desktop, with the interface adapting to the screen size and input methods.
If you have a Sony Xperia Z Tablet and fancy installing the Ubuntu Touch operating system, check out the video below for a run-through of the features. However, it’s important to note that currently, there are a few bugs that users need to work around. It is highly advised that you back up your files before attempting an install. Some common issues reported by early adopters include:
– Wi-Fi Connectivity: Some users have experienced intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
– Camera Functionality: The camera may not work as expected, with some features being unavailable.
– Battery Life: There may be a noticeable difference in battery life compared to the stock Android OS.
Steps to Install Ubuntu Touch on Sony Xperia Z Tablet
Before you proceed with the installation, make sure you have a good understanding of the process and the potential risks involved. Here are the general steps to install Ubuntu Touch on your Sony Xperia Z Tablet:
1. Unlock the Bootloader: This is the first step in installing any custom ROM. Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up your files.
2. Install a Custom Recovery: You will need a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) to flash the Ubuntu Touch ROM.
3. Download the Ubuntu Touch ROM: You can find the ROM on various forums and websites dedicated to Ubuntu Touch.
4. Flash the ROM: Using the custom recovery, flash the downloaded ROM onto your device.
5. Reboot and Configure: Once the ROM is flashed, reboot your device and follow the on-screen instructions to set up Ubuntu Touch.
For more information on the new Ubuntu Touch operating system, jump over to the official Ubuntu Touch website for details. Additionally, community forums like XDA Developers and the Xperia Blog are excellent resources for troubleshooting and support.
Source: TNW : XDA : Xperia Blog
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