Ubuntu Edge conceptual design. Fitting in with the industry standard motif. (via Indiegogo)
Four respective companies --Apple, Google, Microsoft and Blackberry-- currently dominate the world of mobile devices. Of those four, two, iPhone and Android-based phones, have all but cornered the market in mobile devices retaining 90% of smartphone sales globally (as of mid-July 2013). While mobile devices come in many different flavors with regards to the OS it uses, one has had the least exposure but is no less popular in its own community. This is in reference to Linux-based platforms which have been given little to no global recognition. However that all about to change if Canonical has anything to say about it. Yes, there are Maemo and MeeGo-based mobile devices, however they are nowhere near as popular as the aforementioned platforms. In order to bring Linux-based mobile devices to the masses on a scale similar to Apple and Google, Canonical is looking to fund a rather ambitious project on Indigogo to develop and manufacture their Ubuntu Edge smartphone.
The interesting aspect of the Ubuntu Edge is that not only is it a fully functional smartphone but it can also function as a fully capable desktop PC as well when in ‘docked’ mode. Another interesting bit of information surrounding the phone is that it will be capable of booting both Ubuntu and Android as well (Android is actually Linux-based) allowing users to continue using apps while in Ubuntu PC mode. The Ubuntu Edge is still in the developmental stage, but Canonical is looking to pack the phone with an impressive array of hardware, some of which isn’t even available yet. The case will be fabricated from a solid piece of textured (on the sides for easy grip) amorphous metal with a 4.5 inch screen geared towards a balance of color-clarity and resolution rather than strictly resolution alone. Chances are we will not see a full 1080p with 480dpi screen like that featured on HTC One, but it will reportedly be better in the color gamut than those currently on the market. Instead of using a typical protective shielding for the phones screen, the Ubuntu Edge will feature a pure sapphire crystal layer that will not obstruct the clarity of the screen but it will take the toughness of a diamond to scratch it (it will be ‘pocket safe’). Canonical will choose the fastest multi-core processor on the market when they get close to manufacturing but the company states that it will equipped with at least 4Gb of RAM and an unheard-of 128Gb of onboard storage. The phone will be outfitted with an efficient silicon-anode based battery for longer life before recharging. In order to take advantage of 4G LTE wireless connections the phone will come equipped with two LTE antennas, which will give users a 4G connection even while traveling overseas. Canonical is looking for an unprecedented $32 million US to get the Ubuntu Edge to the mobile device market and has amassed roughly $3.4 million so far with 30 days left to go. If the company is successful with their funding campaign the phone will be released sometime in 2014 and retail for $800, however backers pledging $600 or more will get a limited edition Ubuntu Edge before the device is even released.
The 'FreedomPhone," the Ubuntu Edge is guranteed to be a success. Indiegogo's policy states that even if the project does not reach its goal, all money can still be kept.
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