Today Canonical is taking the wraps off the mobile version of Ubuntu, which is built around the existing Android kernel and drivers, but doesn't use a Java Virtual Machine and promises to use "the full power of the phone." Supporting both ARM and x86 processors, the Ubuntu phone OS will be compatible enough to let Android phone makers run it on their devices with minimal adaptation.
Ubuntu for Android, announced in February of last year, will be the first step to getting this new ecosystem out to shipping devices, which Canonical chief Mark Shuttleworth says will definitely arrive at some point during this year. While no carrier or manufacturer support has yet been announced, the first Ubuntu for Android handset should be provided by a "high-end" Android device maker.
Ubuntu's handset interface is bringing a few unique features to separate it from the competition. Thumb gestures from the edge of the screen will play a big role in navigation — Canonical says that swiping in from the four different edges of the screen will let users switch apps and search for content. A short swipe from the left side of the screen brings up a dock of your favorite apps, while a full left-to-right swipe will pull up all of your open apps. Swipes from the right let you flip back through the apps you're running; from the short demos on the Ubuntu site, it looks like a nice new way of navigating your apps. From an overall design perspective, Ubuntu looks to offer a pretty dynamic home screen experience that's quite a bit different than Windows Phone, Android, or iOS. It's focused more around recently used content — like contacts you've spoken to recently, music you've added, and apps you've used — rather than a static grid of content.
Searching include global search across apps and content on the device; it sounds similar to the famed "just type" universal search in webOS. Ubuntu will also have its own voice commands built-in — Canonical says that voice and text commands will work in any application.
I'm actually pretty excited about this. The OS is very sleek looking and the gestures will be interesting to use. And if it's running off Android that means it should have access to Android's app ecosystem.
[ The OS is very sleek looking and the gestures will be interesting to use. And if it's running off Android that means it should have access to Android's app ecosystem.
They need to fix that lag though.
Its not running off Android.
Its Ubuntu for phones. But yeah they really came correct with this. I'm already a Ubuntu stan (They need to get games tho ) so I'm front and center for this I wonder what Blackberry is coming with in February
I would definitely install it. And yes at them having Marina and the Diamonds and Lana Del Rey in the 'Recently played' section. They should join ATRL.
I'm actually pretty excited about this. The OS is very sleek looking and the gestures will be interesting to use. And if it's running off Android that means it should have access to Android's app ecosystem. 
) so I'm front and center for this I wonder what Blackberry is coming with in February 
