Ubuntu Touch, a complete Ubuntu based Operating System(no, it's not an android app or even an android ROM, it's a completely different OS, just like Windows and Ubuntu are two different OS for desktops/laptops) tailored for phones was released sometime in February this year.
Since it's available for my Galaxy S2, I decided to give it a spin. The page for Touch on S2 lists down what works and what not, so I knew Calls and SMS won't work(I know it's a deal breaker but hey, it's a work in progress!). Installation is super easy, just two zip files to flash, and at least I did not face any issues. Since it's a different OS all together, the interface, the navigation, the look & feel... everything is different(I found it to be smooth and intuitive). There are many good reviews out there.
However what's important is that is that Ubuntu Touch is a fully functional Linux OS running on the phone. When I say fully functional, it is fully functional in spirit, ANY software package available for normal version of Ubuntu can be installed.
Since it's available for my Galaxy S2, I decided to give it a spin. The page for Touch on S2 lists down what works and what not, so I knew Calls and SMS won't work(I know it's a deal breaker but hey, it's a work in progress!). Installation is super easy, just two zip files to flash, and at least I did not face any issues. Since it's a different OS all together, the interface, the navigation, the look & feel... everything is different(I found it to be smooth and intuitive). There are many good reviews out there.
However what's important is that is that Ubuntu Touch is a fully functional Linux OS running on the phone. When I say fully functional, it is fully functional in spirit, ANY software package available for normal version of Ubuntu can be installed.
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| Hardware info for S2 over ssh |
That also means I can do all crazy things with my phone. Above is a screenshot of ssh session showing hardware info of S2! (it's easy, do an apt-get install openssh-server on the phone and use any ssh client to connect to the phone. apt-get is your friend! Next could be a wordpress website with Apache and mySql servers running on the phone!(with phone prices nosediving, I believe it would be cheaper to use them a s server than a complete desktop system in many use cases!)
The commercial success of Touch would depend on how Canonical handles the markets (i hope they succeed!) but Ubuntu Touch definitely opens new vistas and also a way to extract worth-the penny performance from ever increasing cores of phones. What's next? A complete data center with cheap phones running in Hyperscale mode with Ubutu Server edition !
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