Ubuntu for Android is a project developed by Canonical that converts an Android
Smartphone into a fully functioning PC. All you need is a docking device,
keyboard, mouse and screen. The aim is to give an Android Smartphone the
capability of a desktop PC.
Combining Ubuntu (a free Linux based OS with over
20 million users) with Android (Linux based mobile operating system dominating
the market) is possible as they share the same Linux Kernal Operating System
(OS). This allows the two OSs to run at the same time merging the phone
experience with a desktop PC. The benefits are one address book, a single place
for text messages, one mail inbox, web browsing, office applications as well as
the full range of desktop applications, all of this in a single device fitting
in a pocket. Personal information like
contacts, calendars, photo galleries and music can be accessed from both the
phone and the desktop interface.
When the phone is docked Ubuntu starts automatically, if the
phone is undocked Android takes control back. When the phone is docked once
again Ubuntu will load and you could resume working where you have left off.
While working on Android you benefit from the touch and gesture interface in
contrast to the mouse pointing device and the keyboard while on Ubuntu.
How would you handle calls or SMS? The two OS are running at
the same time while the phone is docked. If a text message is received it will
appear on the user’s desktop and calls are handled like Voice Over IP (VoIP). Ubuntu for Android merges the desktop with the
phone world, seamlessly.
In order the two OSs to work together the mobile device
needs to have a dual-core with at least 1GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM, docking
capability and hardware support for HDMI and USB. Requirements possessed by
most modern smart phones.
As official release date for this new technology has not yet
been confirmed, to find out more information and stay updated with its progress
visit: http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android
You can watch a video demoing the first prototype here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wzc0uMXGFBY
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