Ubuntu Touch is a unique mobile operating system developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. It was designed to bring the power and flexibility of Ubuntu to mobile devices. However, it’s important to note that official development and support for Ubuntu Touch ended in April 2017. This article will delve into the hardware compatibility of Ubuntu Touch, examining the devices it supports, its features, and how to install it.
Ubuntu Touch is officially compatible with Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 2013 WiFi. However, the Ubuntu Touch community has extended support to other devices such as BQ Aquaris E4.5, BQ Aquaris E5, BQ Aquaris M10, Meizu MX4, and Meizu PRO 5. Some previously supported devices have been deprecated. Porting Ubuntu Touch to other devices is possible but complex. Ubuntu Touch provides a range of features but is primarily designed for evaluation and development purposes.
Officially Supported Devices
Ubuntu Touch was officially compatible with a limited number of devices. The primary ones being:
- Nexus 4
- Nexus 7 2013 WiFi
These devices were chosen for their popularity and ease of development. Canonical provided full support for these devices, ensuring that all features of Ubuntu Touch worked as expected.
Community Supported Devices
In addition to the officially supported devices, the Ubuntu Touch community has extended support to a number of other devices. These include:
- BQ Aquaris E4.5
- BQ Aquaris E5
- BQ Aquaris M10
- Meizu MX4
- Meizu PRO 5
Although these devices are not officially supported by Canonical, they have been tested and confirmed to work with Ubuntu Touch by the community. However, it’s important to note that the level of support and functionality may vary between devices.
Deprecated Devices
Some devices, such as the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 (2012), and Nexus 10, were previously supported but have since been deprecated. This means that while they may still function with Ubuntu Touch, they will no longer receive updates or new features.
Porting Ubuntu Touch
For those interested in porting Ubuntu Touch to other devices, Canonical provides extensive documentation on their website. This includes a detailed guide on the porting process, as well as the necessary tools and resources. However, porting is a complex task that requires a good understanding of both the Android and Ubuntu platforms.
Installation and Features
Installing Ubuntu Touch on a supported device involves flashing the device with the Ubuntu Touch image. This is a process that deletes all existing data on the device, so it’s important to back up any important data before proceeding.
Once installed, Ubuntu Touch provides a range of features, including access to the shell and core applications, connection to the GSM network (on supported devices), phone calls and SMS (on supported devices), networking via Wi-Fi, and a functional camera.
However, it’s important to note that Ubuntu Touch was primarily designed for evaluation and development purposes. It does not provide all the features and services of a retail phone and is not intended to replace your current handset.
Conclusion
While Ubuntu Touch is no longer officially supported, it remains an interesting and unique mobile operating system. Its compatibility with a range of devices, combined with the power and flexibility of Ubuntu, make it a compelling choice for developers and tech enthusiasts. For more information on Ubuntu Touch, including installation guides and detailed documentation, visit the Ubuntu Touch website.
