Ubuntu Phone installation images, source code drops this week
Images and open source code for the Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu, supporting the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones, will be published on Thursday (21 February 2013).
Ubuntu maker, Canonical said the releases are intended for enthusiasts and developers to familiarise themselves with Ubuntu’s smartphone experience and develop applications on spare handsets.
Tools that manage the flashing of the phone will be available on the same day in the Ubuntu archives, making it easy to keep a device up to date with the latest version of the Touch Developer Preview.
The code release is a milestone in the development program for Ubuntu’s phone experience, and enables developers to port the platform to other devices.
“Our platform supports a wide range of screen sizes and resolutions. Developers who have experience bringing up phone environments will find it relatively easy to port Ubuntu to current handsets” said Pat McGowan, who leads the integration effort that produced the images being released.
“We look forward to adding support for additional devices for everyday testing and experimentation.”
The release also marks an era of convergence for Ubuntu. When complete, the same Ubuntu code will deliver a mobile, tablet, desktop or TV experience depending on the device on which it is installed, or where the device is docked.
Ubuntu 13.10 (due in October 2013) will include a complete entry-level smartphone experience.
Canonical has published a Preview SDK and App Design Guides to allow developers to create applications for the full range of Ubuntu platforms. The toolkit provides a range of documented templates to enable native applications to be created.
“This release marks the threshold of wider engagement – both with industry and community,” said Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu.
“For developers, contributors and partners, there is now a coherent experience that warrants attention. The cleanest, most stylish mobile interface around.”
Availability:
- The install process and supported device list are maintained at wiki.ubuntu.com/TouchInstallProcess and will be updated as new devices are added.
- Go to wiki.ubuntu.com/TouchInstallProcess to download Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu from Thursday 21st February.
- Go to developer.ubuntu.com to download the SDK to develop applications for Ubuntu.
- Go to http://design.ubuntu.com/apps to read the Apps Design Guide giving advice about designing and building beautiful and usable apps for Ubuntu on the phone.
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