First Ubuntu phone launching in Europe

According to a post published on Ubuntu website, the company is going to launch its first ever Ubuntu-based smartphone under Canonical’s brand in Europe in the coming days. The smartphone which was first revealed almost a year ago is an attempt by Ubuntu to establish itself in the smartphone market by offering something different to the smartphone users.

Canonical provides commercial services for Ubuntu’s users and is also a key part in spreading awareness among hardware manufacturers and software developers about the Ubuntu operating system. Earlier in 2013, Canonical tried to jump into the smartphone market by stating a crowdfunding to create a high end smartphone-cum-desktop device named Ubuntu Edge. The idea behind the project was to provide users with a devices which equals the size of a smartphone yet its powerful enough to transform into a mini computer when its connect to a keyboard and monitor.

The first Ubuntu device is said to be sold for €169.90 ($190 approx.) and will be unlocked on all carriers globally. The device will be running the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition along with other Ubuntu’s mobile software.

In hardware, the smartphone will have a 4.5 inch screen, a quad-core A7 processor running at 1.3GHz, 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage. The device will have an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front facing camera. It will have dual-SIM support.

The real problem for Canonical here is to battle for its position in the market and attract the developers to build apps for Ubuntu platform. Android and iOS are already ruling the smartphone industry with over 90% market share in between them. Then there are a lot of smaller OSes available in the market including BlackBerry, WebOS, Tizen etc.