Gadgets

Now multi-core Android phones can be transformed into desktop computers. Ubuntu for Android enables high-end Android handsets to run Ubuntu, a PC desktop operating system. Users get the Android they know on the move, but when they connect their phone to a monitor, mouse and keyboard, it becomes a PC.

People a few years ago often scoffed when they were told that they would be carrying computers, wearing them and implanting them into their bodies.  Now, Ubuntu is clearly demonstrating the actual power of a smartphone, by making it back into a desktop PC.

Taking advantage of the latest in mobile processors, Canonical is set to release Ubuntu for Android. The OS effectively turns your phone into a full Ubuntu desktop computer when docked and connected to a monitor, meaning the day your smartphone could act as your primary computer is soon.

Ubuntu sits alongside the standard Android operating system, as they share the same Linux kernel. Similar to the Motorola ATRIX 4G that becomes the engine for a desktop or laptop PC when slotted into an external dock, docking your Ubuntu for Android device with a USB HDMI dock will see it automatically boot into Ubuntu. Just connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you've got fully functional desktop environment.


From what's been shown so far, the experience looks to be seamless and responsive, Ubuntu is very lightweight after all, and it seems that today's standard dual core phone can handle the OS with ease.

In fact, it appears that any Android device can run Ubuntu so long as it meets the following requirements:

• Dual-core 1GHz CPU

• Video acceleration: shared kernel driver with associated X driver; Open GL, ES/EGL

• Storage: 2GB for OS disk image

• HDMI: video out with secondary frame buffer device

• USB host mode

• 512 MB RAM

As of now Canonical is working with handset manufacturers to get Ubuntu desktop functionality included out of the box in future Android phones - but whether or not any other companies sign up remains to be seen.


SOURCE  Gizmag

By 33rd Square

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