Canonical has today announced that new daily builds of their recently announced Ubuntu Touch Preview for smartphones and tablets are now available to download from the Canonical website.
Currently, the latest version of the Ubuntu Touch Preview is made of two parts which consist of a CyanogenMod 10.1 Android 4.2 ROM and an Ubuntu file system.
Brad Linder over at the Liliputing website explains: “Basically what you’re doing when you install Ubuntu on an Android device is running a stripped down version of Android and accessing Ubuntu using chroot so that the Ubuntu user interface and file system run on top.”
Understanding Ubuntu Touch Preview
The Ubuntu Touch Preview is an ambitious project by Canonical aimed at bringing the full Ubuntu experience to mobile devices. Unlike traditional Android ROMs, Ubuntu Touch aims to provide a unified experience across different types of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and even desktops. This is achieved through a unique approach where the Ubuntu interface runs on top of a minimal Android layer, leveraging the hardware compatibility of Android while delivering the rich, desktop-like experience of Ubuntu.
As the new Ubuntu Touch Preview daily builds roll out, they bring with them bug fixes and new features to the fledgling operating system. However, it’s important to note that the Ubuntu Touch Preview is still under development, so new issues could arise as other features are added and tweaked. For instance, users might encounter compatibility issues with certain hardware components or experience instability with specific applications.
Features and Future Prospects
One of the standout features of Ubuntu Touch is its convergence capability. This means that the same codebase can run on multiple devices, adapting the user interface to fit the screen size and input methods available. For example, when connected to a monitor, a smartphone running Ubuntu Touch can provide a full desktop experience, complete with windowed applications and multitasking capabilities. This convergence is a significant step towards a more seamless and integrated computing experience.
Moreover, the Ubuntu Touch Preview includes a variety of pre-installed applications designed to showcase the potential of the platform. These include a web browser, a messaging app, and a media player, among others. The goal is to provide a functional and cohesive user experience right out of the box, even in these early stages of development.
As the project progresses, Canonical aims to expand the range of supported devices and improve the overall stability and performance of the operating system. The community-driven nature of Ubuntu also means that users can contribute to the development process, providing feedback, reporting bugs, and even developing new features.
For more information on the new Ubuntu Touch Preview, jump over to the Web UPD8 website for details.
Source: Liliputing
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