Ubuntu crowd sources funding for PC smartphone hybrid
Ubuntu has invited early adopters to join crowd-funding ventures to launch Ubuntu Edge, a hybrid PC and mobile phone platform
Ubuntu has invited early adopters to join a crowd-funding ventures as part of its campaign to launch Ubuntu Edge, a hybrid PC and mobile phone platform.
Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Ubuntu, said: "There is an innovation gap."
He claimed that pressure to sell millions of handsets was holding back manufacturers from adopting new technology.
"There isn’t a proving ground for new technology," he said. "Crowd-funding connects innovators with early adopters and spreads risk."
This enables manufacturers to extend a two- to three-year lead on smartphone innovation, according to Shuttleworth. He believes the project would attract funding from enterprises and gadget fans.
"We have a bank who wants to deploy 40,000," he said.
The project aims to develop the Ubuntu Edge, converging a mobile OS and desktop OS in a single device. The funding campaign aims to raise $32m (£21.5m) over 30 days on Indiegogo for a limited production run of 40,000 devices.
Ubuntu Edge specifications: (subject to change)
- Dual-boot Ubuntu Edge into either Ubuntu or Android
- Becomes a fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
- Fast and powerful device with multi-core CPU and at least 4GB RAM
- 128GB of storage for photos, music, content
- 4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD display with pure sapphire crystal screen
- Cameras made for low-light, fast response and close up pictures: 8mp rear camera, 2mp front
- Faster connection all over the world with dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
- Connect to HDMI TVs and monitors easily with MHL connector, 3.5mm jack
- GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
- Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
- Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
- 64 x 9 x 124mm.
He said the goal of the project was to bridge PCs with smartphones.
"We have deep roots in the PC industry. There is strong interest for full convergence between [PC] and mobile devices."
The core specification bridges mobile and PC devices, he explained.
"We will have laptop class storage in a handheld device." He said it will include an unbreakable sapphire screen, dual band LTE and a silicon anode battery.
The Ubuntu Edge will dual boot Ubuntu phone OS and Android, and will transform into a PC when connected to a monitor, with the full Ubuntu desktop and shared access to all the phone’s file
