MWC 2012 | Ubuntu for Android set to debut at MWC 2012

Canonical recently revealed Ubuntu for Android, which is said to bring full desktop computing experience to an Android Smartphone. However this version will not be installed on your current devices (legally). But it will be available on new devices by participating manufacturers.

Ubuntu architecture has been combined with the Google’s Android 2.3 or the Gingerbread AOSP, build on the kernel level as reported by Canonical. It is believed that this version will neither be capable of competing with other popular platforms like Apple’s iOS, Microsoft’s Windows Phone or even Android but it will serve as a value add service.

However Canonical is optimistic about their new Ubuntu and even hopes that it will be able to reduce the number of devices carried by Android consumers. With respect to this the website Ubuntu for Android has also mentioned that one need not carry two devices as the latest Smartphones has a lot of power sufficient enough for to work as a laptop. So it will be a great experience to run Android in phone and Ubuntu for desktops both on the same device.

Canonical said that the software requires a minimal custom hardware enablement which needs to be installed at the manufacturing level. This is the prime reason why you cannot use it on existing devices. Both Ubuntu and Android will share the kernel, and will run concurrently when the device is docked.

They also mentioned that the workload is balanced across both the cores of the phone, so when the handset is not in use both CPU cores transfers their full power to Android.

The hardware required for Ubuntu on Android include an ARM-based dual-core 1GHz SoC, 512 of RAM, HDMI out, 2GB of storage for the OS disc image, USB host mode and video acceleration.

Ubuntu installed on the Android Smartphone cannot be noticed as different from outside and will provide the exact Android experience. But as the device is docked, the users will get the full unity desktop environment.

It is expected to be exhibited at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. So just get ready for these next generation platforms in your Smartphones to provide you with a complete desktop experience. 

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