Canonical released the Ubuntu Touch Preview today, so obviously we had to wipe our Nexus 4 and load up Ubuntu for a hands-on test. You've likely already seen the videos and release info for Ubuntu's new phone optimized OS, so we'll just jump into it. The Touch Preview is version 12.10, and the final phone version is planned for 13.10 (October 2013), so this is a very early build, and as such, just like in the Nexus 7 Ubuntu hands-on, there are a lot of things missing and not working so well.
As we mentioned, the Ubuntu installer tools and instructions are all Ubuntu terminal commands, so there's no Windows or Mac support just yet. Luckily, that doesn't phase us and the install was actually extremely easy. The first thing we noticed upon booting up Ubuntu is that the device is pre-populated with contacts, and fake Twitter/Skype/Facebook/email notifications. The reason for this seems to be because the core apps are still in the process of being built by the community, so there are only web apps available in the preview image. There is no way to pull your mail, contacts, or social networking data into the system, so you don't really get the full effect of the "personalized artwork" on the welcome screen. Instead, it constantly tells you about the same "14 tweets received".
Unlike the performance on the Nexus 7, which was not very good at all, the Nexus 4 runs Ubuntu very well. This is partially because the Nexus 4 is a more powerful device than the Nexus 7, but also likely because Canonical has been putting more work into getting the phone side done, because it is due out first. The tablet optimization isn't due to be final until April 2014. The OS is smooth, transitions are pretty crisp. There is some lag here and there, but nothing compared to what we saw with the Nexus 7.
Overall, Ubuntu looks really nice. Everyone else may want to use other operating systems as reference for what you see in Ubuntu mobile, but to me the OS felt like Ubuntu. I have been using Ubuntu on my laptop as my primary OS for quite a while now, and the experience on the tablet felt like I was still in Ubuntu. The home screen is a modified Dash, and the launcher is the same as the Unity bar. The OS uses big bold graphics, and looks great. The only thing that was a bit annoying with the presentation is that the OS is locked into portrait mode on the Nexus 4. We actually haven't seen anything with a landscape view on the phone, so it's unclear if that's going to happen or not.
Unfortunately, navigation isn't very intuitive all the time. The gestures to get to the Unity launcher, or switch through open apps is nice, but once you're inside apps, navigation isn't very consistent. In some cases there is a carat near the top to bring you back, and sometimes you have to swipe up from the bottom to get at the back button. There's still a lot of time to fix this stuff, but it did make things a bit disorienting. It was a little better on the Nexus 4 compared to the Nexus 7, because the gesture from the bottom edge to get the controls was easier, but still not great so far.
Ubuntu is looking really nice. Even though you can make calls and send texts, it's nowhere near ready to be your primary driver, and really isn't even ready to be your backup OS just yet, but it has a lot of potential. And, since there's still about 8 months before the official release, there's plenty of time to put things together. For more, check out the video below, and be sure to check out the Nexus 7 hands-on as well.
Canonical released the Ubuntu Touch Preview today, so obviously we had to wipe our Nexus 7 and load up Ubuntu for a hands-on test. You've likely already seen the videos and release info for Ubuntu's new mobile optimized OS, so we'll just jump into it. The first thing that is important to keep in mind is that the tablet version of Ubuntu isn't due to be finalized until version 14.04 (April 2014), and the Touch Preview is version 12.10, so this is a very early build, and as such, there are a lot of things missing and not working so well.
As we mentioned, the Ubuntu installer tools and instructions are all Ubuntu terminal commands, so there's no Windows or Mac support just yet. Luckily, that doesn't phase us and the install was actually extremely easy. The first thing we noticed upon booting up Ubuntu is that the device is pre-populated with contacts, and fake Twitter/Skype/Facebook/email notifications. The reason for this seems to be because the core apps are still in the process of being built by the community, so there are only web apps available in the preview image. There is no way to pull your mail, contacts, or social networking data into the system, so you don't really get the full effect of the "personalized artwork" on the welcome screen. Instead, it constantly tells you about the same "14 tweets received".
There was also some concern about how the OS would perform on the Nexus 7, because in the announcement, Canonical said that the minimum requirements for Ubuntu on tablets would be a Cortex A15 processor and 2GB of RAM, but the Nexus 7 only has an A9 processor and 1GB of RAM. As such, the OS is noticeable sluggish and laggy on the Nexus 7. Aside from the hardware possibly not being up to snuff,Ubuntu doesn't seem to be optimized for a 7" tablet just yet. Unlike what we've seen on the Nexus 10, the keyboard isn't optimized for the 7 and is quite cramped and hard to use.
Overall, Ubuntu looks really nice. Everyone else may want to use other operating systems as reference for what you see in Ubuntu mobile, but to me the OS felt like Ubuntu. I have been using Ubuntu on my laptop as my primary OS for quite a while now, and the experience on the tablet felt like I was still in Ubuntu. The home screen is a modified Dash, and the launcher is the same as the Unity bar. The OS uses big bold graphics, and looks great. The only thing that was a bit annoying with the presentation is that the OS is locked into portrait mode on the Nexus 7, meaning no landscape and no way to use the side stage.
Unfortunately, navigation isn't very intuitive all the time. The gestures to get to the Unity launcher, or switch through open apps is nice, but once you're inside apps, navigation isn't very consistent. In some cases there is a carat near the top to bring you back, and sometimes you have to swipe up from the bottom to get at the back button. There's still a lot of time to fix this stuff, but it did make things a bit disorienting.
Ubuntu is looking really nice. It's nowhere near ready to be your primary driver, and really isn't even ready to be your backup OS just yet, but it has a lot of potential. And, since there's still about 14 months before the official release, there's plenty of time to put things together. For more, check out the video below, and be sure to check out the Nexus 4 hands-on as well.
刚刚在XDA看到的
The Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview is intended to be used for development and evaluation purposes only. It does not provide all of the features and services of a retail phone and cannot replace your current handset. This preview is the first release of a very new and unfinished version of Ubuntu and it will evolve quickly. If you want to install this release, please follow the guide provided, which details the available features and how to navigate the user experience. This process will delete all data from the device. Restoring Android will not restore this data. What to expect after flashing For detailed information check the release notes
1. Shell and core applications
2. Connection to the GSM network(on Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4)
3. Phone calls and SMS (on Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4)
4. Networking via Wifi
5. Functional camera (front and back)
6. Device accessible through theAndroid Developer Bridge tool(adb)
Canonical announces Ubuntu Edge smartphone, launches funding campaign
Canonical, the central muscle behind the development of the [backcolor=transparent !important]Ubuntuoperating system and the forthcoming mobile rendering of the OS, has launched an [backcolor=transparent !important]audacious crowd-sourcing campaign to launch what it describes as the Formula 1 of mobile technology.
The reference is based on the cutting edge automotive technology that is developed on the race track and eventually makes its way to the vehicles we ride in every day. Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical and front man evangelizing for Ubuntu, explains the need for a similar arena for mobile technology.
That means it is time to launch the Ubuntu Edge project. Its goal is to do for smartphones what racing does for cars, low-volume, high technology, funded by enthusiasts and professionals alike. What will the Ubuntu Edge bring to the table? More than just the hardware, [backcolor=transparent !important]Ubuntu OS is centered on a converged [backcolor=transparent !important]computingexperience, not unlike what Microsoft is aiming for with Windows. However, Ubuntu is a vastly more open environment for developers.
What will the hardware be exactly? Well final specifications are not etched in stone, but expect a sapphire crystal for the screen. Pixel density will not be pursued at the expense of color quality or brightness, right now, it might be a 1280x720 display. It will definitely be 4.5-inches.
On the inside, the “fastest available” multi-core processor will be used, the Edge will have “at least” 4GB of RAM and a minimum of 128GB of storage. It is basically running an operating system design to deliver a converged experience, there needs to be room and horsepower under the hood. The battery will be a silicon-anode cell.
Other specifications are set to be an 8MP main camera with a 2MP unit on the front. Dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and NFC will of course be present as well. The rest of the list is to be expected, GPS, compass, all the usual sensors, HD audio speakers, dual-microphone recording, noise cancellation and a 3.5mm headset jack. Dimensions will be 64mm x 9mm x 124mm.
The Edge will also feature a dual-LTE chip to allow use on any 4G network in the world. Because the Edge will be packing some power, it will be able to dual-boot Ubuntu phone OS and Android into a fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC.
The total goal of the campaign is to raise $32 million dollars, roughly $1 million per day. If they can pull it off, you will get your Ubuntu Edge next spring (May 2014). It is a lot to ask upfront, but Canonical is not some start-up looking to cash in, so those that are still waiting for your Pebble smart watch should take that into consideration.
What is your price of admission? Today only there are an introductory 5000 units available for $600, after that, they are $830. Shipping to the US and UK is included. If you must have a truly rare Edge, $10,000 will get you one of the first 50 numbered devices to roll out of the factory. You will also get a VIP invitation to join Mark Shuttleworth at the launch event. If you are running a business and run Ubuntu in your enterprise, a $80,000 option gets you 100 handsets and a host of support elements for your CIO or [backcolor=transparent !important]ITdepartment.
Are you going to get on the Ubuntu train? The user experience is looking really smooth, and it could be said a lot of things are still very “beta” in nature. It could be a sign of good things to come. Check out the photos and video below.
Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
8MP low-light rear camera, 2MP front camera
Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
MHL connector, 3.5mm jack
Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
64 x 9 x 124mm
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发表于 20-2-2013 10:18 PM
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