When you first pick up a phone with Ubuntu Touch, it will look like a phone with any other operating system. However, within moments, you will start to notice a few key differences like the search box at the top of the screen, and the unlocking feature which is controlled by a right-to-left rather than a left-to-right sweep. Recently released Ubuntu is ready to claim third place behind Android and iOS, the operating system giants of the smartphone world. But the novelty of this Linux-based system may have the potential to propel this operating system into first or second place once the kinks have been ironed out.
A Consistent Interface
Initially, Ubuntu was only set to appear on the European market, but T-mobile, the smallest of the US-based mobile carriers decided to join Verizon to bring this operating system to the U.S. market. In spite of bringing the system to America's markets, ZDNet reports that T-mobile won't have much input over the Ubuntu interface.
Ubuntu's community manager, Jono Bacon was quoted by ZDNet as saying that he wanted to avoid the "interface fragmentation that plagues Android."
Because Google is given a lot of say over how they want Android to work, users can have completely different experiences when using the Android operating system on different phones. Ubuntu wants the same interface regardless of whether a user is holding one of
T-Mobile's cell phones in the United States or a different carrier's cell phone in Europe.
Pros and Cons
The downside of Ubuntu Touch, according to IT World, is that it drains the phone's battery, and its early version is missing key functions like copy and paste, spell check, and calendar syncing. However, Bryan Lunduke from Network World reports that the system has a fast boot up time and a straightforward installation process. Once the system is installed, users will find convenient features like screenshots of all running apps on the home screen and "magic edges" that allow you to sweep between apps with the swish of a fingertip.
Intuitive Evolution
Ubuntu's edge is the
development of a system that intuitively evolves to meet your needs, according to the system's manufacturer. Designed by artists who know how to synthesize data beautifully, the operating system intuitively creates a home screen that will make your life easier. It even memorizes the apps that you use regularly and stores them front and center for your convenience.
Maximized Screen Space
Apps are also managed from a hidden control panel. Rather than wasting space on your screen, this panel only appears when you swipe the bottom edge of the phone. This allows you to maximize your screen space.
Still in Third
Although Ubuntu offers everything that mobile users need including most of the apps that they use on a daily basis, with my
experience I can say the system isn't mature enough to compete with Android yet. Once the developers have ironed out the glitches and eliminated the crashing and freezing, however, this operating system will be able to stand on its own with the other two competitors, and it may even edge into first or second place, eventually.
