Canonical, the company behind the new Ubuntu Touch mobile operating system, has this week revealed that they are redesigning the operating system without using the Android Shell that was used in previous versions of Ubuntu Touch.
Now, instead of booting into Android and then starting up the Ubuntu system after Android has loaded, the newly designed Ubuntu Touch images now boot into Ubuntu and initialize Android inside an LXC (LinuX Container) container during boot.
Benefits of the New Design
The change within the redesign will probably make very little difference to the user experience from the outside. However, Ubuntu developers will benefit most as they will now be able to tweak the system even further to meet their needs. By eliminating the dependency on the Android Shell, developers gain more control over the system’s core functionalities. This allows for more efficient resource management and potentially better performance and battery life for devices running Ubuntu Touch.
Moreover, this new approach simplifies the development process. Developers can now focus on optimizing Ubuntu directly without having to consider the underlying Android layer. This could lead to faster updates and more robust security patches, enhancing the overall reliability of the operating system.
Implications for the Future
The newly designed Ubuntu Touch operating system is now already available within the daily builds. This shift signifies Canonical’s commitment to creating a truly independent mobile operating system. By moving away from the Android Shell, Canonical is positioning Ubuntu Touch as a unique alternative in the mobile OS market, which is currently dominated by Android and iOS.
This redesign could also open up new possibilities for hardware compatibility. Without the constraints of the Android Shell, Ubuntu Touch could potentially be adapted to a wider range of devices, including those that were previously incompatible. This could attract more manufacturers to consider Ubuntu Touch as a viable option for their hardware, further expanding its user base.
For more information and to download the latest versions of the daily builds, jump over to the official Ubuntu Touch website. The daily builds provide an opportunity for developers and enthusiasts to test the latest features and improvements, offering valuable feedback to Canonical for future enhancements.
In conclusion, Canonical’s decision to redesign Ubuntu Touch without the Android Shell marks a significant step forward for the operating system. It not only empowers developers with greater control and flexibility but also sets the stage for a more independent and versatile mobile OS. As Ubuntu Touch continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it competes with established players in the market and what new innovations it brings to the table.
Source: Into Mobile : AndroidCentral
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