Canonical announces Ubuntu for smartphones, we go hands-on

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/02/ubuntu-for-smartphones/)

This is no ordinary [Galaxy Nexus](http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/galaxy-nexus-hspa-review/). Instead of Android, it's running a very different Linux-based OS -- the long-awaited mobile version of Ubuntu -- which comes with a new UI adapted for smaller screens. We've played with the phone briefly and we'll have a proper hands-on video for you shortly, but in the meantime there are a few salient features to report. First and foremost, the UI relies heavily on edge swipes instead of buttons -- much like Windows 8 on a tablet or indeed other mobile OS's like MeeGo, although here each swipe has its own Ubuntu-esque functions. Beyond that, the icons along the top have some interesting features, which we'll explain after the break. We're also told that voice control is in attendance, and that an app store is in the works, with a mix of both web apps and native apps -- with the latter type being able to make better use of the hardware.

Speaking of hardware, here's where you might get a twinge of disappointment: there are no immediate plans for actual Ubuntu phones, and no carriers have been signed up yet -- although we're told that the OS will run on any new phone built for Android, should a manufacturer see merit in installing Ubuntu instead. Rather like [Ubuntu for Android](http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/ubuntu-for-android-hands-on/), this is still an idea looking for a device -- but as ideas go, our initial impression is that it looks like a bright one, especially if you dig Linux and open source. Check out the press release and publicity video after the break and stay tuned for more in depth coverage imminently.

_Developing..._

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Filed under: [Cellphones](http://www.engadget.com/category/cellphones/), [Tablets](http://www.engadget.com/category/tablets/)

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URL: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/02/ubuntu-for-smartphones/