Ubuntu lands on Nexus 7 slates with Canonical's one-click installer

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/27/ubuntu-nexus-7-installer/)

If you'd rather not let your [Nexus 7](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/) live out its life as a Jelly Bean-toting device, Canonical's freshly minted [Ubuntu](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/18/ubuntu-12-10-launches-with-web-apps-and-search/) Nexus 7 Desktop Installer can help. Instead of allowing Ubuntu to [ride](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/ubuntus-full-desktop-os-coming-to-multi-core-android-devices/) [shotgun](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/ubuntu-for-android-hands-on/) with Android, the installer requires unlocking the device's bootloader, which wipes the slate clean. Once the Nexus 7 is unlocked, started in fastboot mode and connected to an Ubuntu machine, the one-click installation software takes care of the rest. Roughly 10 to 15 minutes later, your tablet will be running full-blown Ubuntu. Since development is currently focused on getting the core of the desktop OS up and running, there's no tablet-specific [Unity UI](http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/ubuntu-11-04-natty-narwhal-brings-new-unity-ui-controversy-to/) to see here. However, [Raring Ringtail](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/18/ubuntu-raring-ringtail/) is set to flesh out the mobile experience with an emphasis on sensors, memory footprint and battery life, among other features. Those who regret ousting Google's confection-themed operating system can simply reload their device with stock Android. For the entire walk through, hit the first source link below.

[Thanks, Keith]

Filed under: [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/), [Software](http://www.engadget.com/category/software/), [Google](http://www.engadget.com/category/google/)

[Ubuntu lands on Nexus 7 slates with Canonical's one-click installer](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/27/ubuntu-nexus-7-installer/) originally appeared on [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com) on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:03:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds](http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).

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