Ubuntu for Android announced

Canonical, the company backing the Linux-based Ubuntu operating system, has launched a campaign directed at smartphone makers to promote its new product that lets Ubuntu run with Android on the same device.

Android is Google’s smartphone and tablet operating system (OS) that is used by device manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, HTC, LG, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson.

According to Canonical, Ubuntu for Android offers a complete desktop for docked Android phones and is easy to build into Android phones in development.

Ubuntu and Android share the same kernel, Canonical said, meaning they run at the same time, accessing data and applications.

Canonical doesn’t reveal whether any upcoming Android phones will include Ubuntu, but similar to their campaign directed at TV makers, invites manufacturers interested in adding Ubuntu to their smartphones to contact them.

Ubuntu for Android with smartphone in dock

Addressing the question why anything needs to be added to Android, Canonical said that Android is designed for touch interface on a handheld device.

“Several vendors have tried to bring Android-based desktops or laptops to market, with no success,” Canonical said. “Android was designed for touch only, and has its hands full winning the tablet wars.”

Canonical added that a web-top, or web-only desktop is an alternative, but said that markets have not responded to web-only environments.

“The desktop is a high-productivity mode, not a media consumption mode or a browsing mode. That’s why we’ve brought the full power of a native desktop to this solution,” Canonical said.

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