Ubuntu Linux to Run Smartphones, Tablets & Smart TVs

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Ubuntu Linux may be one of the more popular consumer- and server-oriented Linux distributions around. But Ubuntu’s creator, Canonical, wants to make a play for smartphones, tablets and embedded devices, as well.

Mark Shuttleworth, Canonical’s founder, plans to announce a new roadmap for Ubuntu Linux at the upcoming Ubuntu Developer Summit in Orlando, FL. Among the highlights, Canonical wants to take Ubuntu to the smartphone, tablet and smart TV market.

This is a natural expansion of our idea as Ubuntu as Linux for human beings. As people have moved from desktop to new form factors for computing, it’s important for us to reach out to out community on these platforms. So, we’ll embrace the challenge of how to use Ubuntu on smartphones, tablets and smart-screens.

Ubuntu is currently in the final stages of tweaking its Unity Desktop interface for a “final fit and polish” meant for corporate and personal desktop computer use. However, since Unity also has touch-friendly features, the user interface also has great potential for use with touch-based devices like tablets and smartphones.

Shuttleworth says the company has been in talks with potential partners for the past 18 months, and primarily sees Android as their main competition when it comes to smartphones and tablets. Shuttleworth says that Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility has shaken up some hardware vendors, who are now looking into possible smartphone and tablet OS alternatives to Android. Ubuntu Linux might just be it.

The smartest OEM strategy is to play people off against each other. Thus, some OEMs want to have Ubuntu as a disruptive element. A strong Ubuntu can be both more co-operative with OEMs than a larger company and give them leverage with Google and Microsoft.

Shuttleworth says that the Ubuntu advantage is that its developers can meet targets and deadlines, and that manufacturers can therefore deliver good products on time. This is in contrast to development plans by other platforms that sometimes miss targeted release dates, due to the necessary tweaks, improvements and device-specific requirements. He also cites the wide developer and customer base as a possible advantage.

Will Ubutu Linux be a disruptive force in the smartphone and tablet market in the future? Will Ubuntu be able to ride on the emerging popularity of smart TVs?