“Is there a scope for a new operating system in the mobile platform?” wonder how many are going to ask that question. I did myself when I heard that canonical was going to launch its so called “mobile OS” version of Ubuntu in the upcoming CES to be held from January 8th to 11th. Considering that it is already a huge market and after WP 8 has started showing positive signs of survival, it will get much tougher for a newer player. But anything is possible in this market. The downward spiraling of the once favoured ‘Symbian’ is a proof of that fact. Whether or not this OS succeeds or goes the Web OS way is a matter only time will tell us. But for now we do have a big thing to look forward to for the upcoming CES. But what does it mean to the mobile world. Here’s my take.
The countdown for this operating system had begun way back in 2008 when it was first announced. A novelty it was at that time, which I guess was sure to succeed had they released it during that time. Then in 2010 they announced Ubuntu for android, which was supposed to be an image to be run on the Android Operating System. It did not work, or let us just say that it fell flat on its face. Except for some linux geeks no one else took even a notice of it, but canonical promises that it will be totally different this time around and that they have done everything right to make it one of the show stealers of CES 2013.
Canonical calls it the first true step in the adoption of Ubuntu on mobile.
It is highly compatible with the current line of operating systems so the current manufacturers for android devices will not have much to worry about with regards to compatibility.
It requires the same drivers as those of android only with lesser memory requirements.
It wont be using the Java Virtual Machine unlike android do that the OS has complete control over the device.
The galaxy nexus 4 is the phone on which it is currently being tested and initial results have been well received.
The use of thumb gestures to ply a huge role in navigation through the system.
Multitasking would be much more efficient and battery usage is also a notch higher than that if other operating systems currently in the market.
It is highly secure but will also allow porting of android apps to its platform.
Canonical says that they have improved the design is also better than most of the operating systems of the current generation.
The file system structure is much more organized.
It will always be connected to the Ubuntu cloud and the storage will be higher than that of current cloud service providers.
Canonical has roped in multiple partners for equipment manufacturing and the first phone may be an asus device.
More on this next big thing by canonical after its release.
Thanks and Regards,
SlightlyDrunk
