Skip to main content

Ubuntu OS coming to smartphones in October

phone-design-hero-584x340

It’s long been known that the Blackberry has ultimately proven to be the device of choice for most businesses. And why not? With its secure network and history of maintaining customer privacy, it’s ideal for any businessperson, particularly those that work with sensitive information. But that has started to change recently, particularly with the proliferation of the smartphone. Not to mention, more and more companies now allow—likely for cost-cutting purposes—staff to begin using their own personal devices for work purposes.

Come October, things may be shaken up once again. According to the Wall Street Journal, open source operating system Ubuntu is planning to launch its new smartphone platform in at least two major global markets. (While the company hasn’t mentioned which markets it will launch in, it has confirmed that North America is a high priority market for its business plan.)

Related Videos

So, what is it about this operating system that could have businesses salivating over? For starters, while it won’t help cut back on the amount of work to be done, it will help to make it significantly easier for employees to take their work with them anywhere. How? Ubuntu-enabled smartphones will be able to dock with external screens and keyboards, and will allow users to access all of their files wherever they are – no need to tout a burdensome laptop around at all times.

One of the bigger benefits in the eyes of businesses may be that, since the software was created by open-source software designers, it’s absolutely free, which is always beneficial when it comes to a company’s bottom line.

The company’s biggest hurdle, however, is the aforementioned proliferation of companies allowing employees to use their own phones. It’s such a tremendous convenience for employees, and a money-saver for employers, that having to carry a laptop may not seem like such a burden. Not to mention, in comparison to the thousands of apps available on iOS and Android phones, among others, the apps that would be available on an Ubuntu-powered device are minimal.

The company has also been shopping its services around to various cellular providers, though it isn’t revealing who, just yet. But for certain, it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out come October.

Editors' Recommendations

The Huawei Watch Ultimate looks like the perfect Apple Watch Ultra rival
The Huawei Watch Ultimate in Voyage Blue and Expedition Black themes.

See if you can guess which smartwatch Huawei wants to take on with its latest release. It’s called the Huawei Watch Ultimate, and it’s made to appeal to outdoorsy types, complete with comprehensive diving and expedition modes.

It has a really big screen and a big battery too. That’s right, the Huawei Watch Ultimate is an Apple Watch Ultra competitor — but don’t pass it by just yet, because it’s worth your attention.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. Galaxy S23: should you spend $450 or $800?
The back of the white Galaxy A54.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the cheapest way to get your hands on Samsung's latest flagship tech -- but you don't have to buy a flagship device to get a fantastic smartphone experience. Samsung's Galaxy A series of smartphones supplies excellent performance at a lower price tag, and the Samsung Galaxy A54 is the latest of these. With a strong processor, great camera suite, 120Hz refresh rate, and big battery — all wrapped inside a flagship-rivaling design — the Galaxy A54 is a very tempting midrange smartphone. But can it stand toe-to-toe with its more expensive cousin?

With stronger flagship specs, it's clear the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a significant edge here. But is the edge enough to justify significantly more dollars? We took a look at these two excellent smartphones so you have a better idea of which one to buy.
Samsung Galaxy A54 vs. Galaxy S23: specs

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: the 6 things that would make it amazing
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro showing a colorful watch face.

Samsung’s 2023 product lineup has turned out pretty impressive so far, but the more promising devices are scheduled for the latter half of the year. Among them is the Galaxy Watch 6 series. Now, the Galaxy Watch 5 line-up isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it also wasn’t really an appealing upgrade over the Galaxy Watch 4 portfolio.

With the Galaxy Watch 6 series, we’re already hearing some promising chatter in the leak land. Here’s a wish list of changes that would make the Galaxy Watch 6 series a truly tantalizing and potent alternative to the venerable Apple Watch.
Bring back the rotating bezel
Galaxy Watch 4 Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Read more