What Is It?
- Ubuntu Edge is the smartphone which Canonical plans to launch. This smartphone will be a crowd funded and Canonical is asking for just $32 Million.
- We have read a lot about converged architecture in books but this time just like the ASUS Padfone, Canonical will bring a converged Operating System architecture through the smartphone. The smartphone can be connected to any monitor and it will turn into an Ubuntu PC. This won’t be a tablet experience like ASUS Padfone but a proper desktop experience of Ubuntu.
- If we closely look at the Ubuntu for Mobile, it resembles the desktop OS. This will reduce the task of the user to go and learn a new OS.
Hardware
- The hardware section has always overwhelmed users. I have seen people buy smartphone by just seeing the number of cores in the CPU or the screen resolution.
- Ubuntu keeps it really simple and cool. They have clearly mentioned that the smartphone will sport a 4.5 inch display with a screen resolution of 1280×720. Canonical also goes on to mention that they will improve on color accuracy and dynamic range.
- Instead of going with glass, Canonical plans to go with tougher material i.e. Sapphire Crystal for the display.
- The dimensions of the device are 64 x 9 x 124mm
- Ubuntu Edge will have a whooping 4GB RAM and latest multi-core processor (not specified) to power the Operating System.
- 128GB of storage will be provided.
- For Battery, silicon-anode technology will be used.
Software
- Ubuntu Edge will dual boot into Ubuntu Mobile as well as Android OS.
The Project
Canonical has set the bar for $32 Million funding. They say they need it for reducing the cost of the device. The device should be expected by May 2014.