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Canonical Releases Ubuntu for Smartphone
[January 08, 2013]

Canonical Releases Ubuntu for Smartphone


Jan 08, 2013 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Canonical announced a smartphone interface for its operating system Ubuntu using all four edges of the screen.

According to a release, Ubuntu gives handset OEMs and mobile operators the ability to converge phone, PC and thin client into a single phone.

"We expect Ubuntu to be popular in the enterprise market, enabling customers to provision a single secure device for all PC, thin client and phone functions. Ubuntu is already the most widely used Linux enterprise desktop, with customers in a wide range of sectors focused on security, cost and manageability," said Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical. "We also see an opportunity in basic smartphones that are used for the phone, SMS, web and email, where Ubuntu outperforms thanks to its native core apps and stylish presentation." The handset interface for Ubuntu introduces distinctive new user experiences to the mobile market, including: 1. Edge magic: thumb gestures from all four edges of the screen enable users to find content and switch between apps faster than other phones.



2. Content immersion - controls appear only when the user wants them.

3. Global search for apps, content and products.


4. Voice and text commands in any application for faster access to rich capabilities.

5. Both native and web or HTML5 apps.

6. Evolving personalised art on the welcome screen.

Ubuntu offers customisation options for partner apps, content and services. Operators and OEMs can add their own branded offerings. Canonical's personal cloud service, Ubuntu One, provides storage and media services, file sharing and a secure transaction service which enables partners to integrate their own service offerings easily.

Ubuntu is compatible with a typical Android Board Support Package.

Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu and VP Products at Canonical, said, "We're shaping the future of personal computing. Ubuntu is proven on the desktop, and uniquely positioned to be at the heart of the next wave of consumer electronics, combining a beautiful hand-held touch interface with a full PC experience when docked." Chris Kenyon, VP Sales and Marketing at Canonical, said, "Ubuntu presents a single platform for all kinds of personal and enterprise computing, a unique opportunity to simplify operations for industry and end-users alike. We are delighted to extend our service offerings from the PC industry into the mobile sector." Canonical is the commercial sponsor of the Ubuntu project.

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