Ubuntu Touch Nexus 5

27/02/2019

I’ve been wanting to try the Ubuntu Touch phone OS since I heard of it pre-launch, although I’ve never had a device I can use it on; that is until a friend this week passed on his old Nexus 5 🙂

I’m so looking forward to giving this a try, and probably wouldn’t have picked up my OnePlus 6t id I knew this was coming… can’t wait for the day it’s available on the OnePlus too, I won’t then need a workstation!

I’m currently factory resetting the device, and have installed the Ubuntu Touch installer package.

The selection of apps available is quite impressive, although not sure what ‘web based’ entails; although I’m assuming it’s like a Chrome browser app?

Here’s the website and details:

https://ubuntu-touch.io/

Ubuntu Touch

Everything you need. Created by a community of contributors
full of passionate people like you

A Mobile Version of the Ubuntu Operating System

Ubuntu Touch is made and maintained by the UBports Community. A group of volunteers and passionate people across the world. With Ubuntu Touch we offer a truly unique mobile experience – an alternative to the current most popular operating systems on the market. We believe that everyone is free to use, study, share and improve all software created by the foundation without restrictions. Whenever possible, everything is distributed under free and open source licenses endorsed by the Free Software Foundation, the Open Source Initiative.

Ubuntu Touch is a mobile version of the Ubuntu operating system for mobile devices. However, unlike other ‘flavors’ of Ubuntu, it is more accurately an extract of parts of Ubuntu. It is adapted to run naturally in a mobile, touch-screen environment but is also capable of functioning as a desktop computer while in “desktop mode”. This aforementioned converging of environments from device to device is where the term “Convergence” originates. You can find more technical details on our github page.

Refreshing and easy to work with

In its current state, our OS is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Ubuntu Touch offers a completely refreshing approach to the mobile experience. Thanks to the intuitive and clean interface, members of the community report a very ‘natural’ experience. With a gentle swipe from the edge of the screen, you have access to all of the device’s apps, tools and settings. There are no accidental button pushes or hard-to-reach dungeons of your mobile device: Everything is just a swipe away. This unique operating system will help you stand out in a crowd with a new fashion in mobile technology.

The Ubuntu Touch Apps

Ubuntu Touch offers everything you need. All kinds of applications are available. Apps for communication, messaging, music, administration, navigation, tools, games and a lot more.

Ubuntu Touch comes pre-installed with a set of important and solid core apps that cover your daily needs. This includes everything you expect from a phone, like a dialer, contacts and calendar, but since it’s Linux family, the OS comes with a fully-featured file browser and terminal (including essential command-line applications) as well.

Please take a look in the OpenStore for the complete list of apps which are available at the moment.

Convergence

Imagine linking your mobile device to a monitor, mouse and keyboard and having it instantly transformed into a desktop experience. With Ubuntu Touch you only need one device.

Throughout the entire history of the project, one theme has continued as an exciting thread and hope – Convergence. In its current state, our OS is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, however the goal of Convergence is expected to bring Ubuntu Touch to Laptop/Desktops and TVs for a completely unified experience. Ubuntu Touch focuses on hardware minimalism and efficiency. The idea of Convergence is being able to pack a mobile device in your pocket and then simply connect to the screen/hardware of your choice and have it seamlessly integrated with the external peripherals – a desktop computer in your pocket. Benefits of Convergence are endless such as, reduced landfill wastage, saved money, higher security and the convenience of truly mobile computing.

Privacy Ensured

Although Big Brother and others in the world may wish to spy on you and steal your personal data – don’t worry. With Ubuntu Touch – a safer system that respects your privacy – they will have nothing to see. Ubuntu Touch keeps you secure because most unsafe parts are blocked by default; the only way that the peepers and creepers can get a peek is if you invite them. We’ve got your back.

No Backdoors

Ubuntu is an open source software operating system. This means that everyone has access to the source code and change, distribute or copy it. That makes it impossible to install software backdoors.

The Ubuntu Touch OS does not depend on the cloud and is also virtually free of viruses and other malware that can extract your data.