Introduction
What is Ubuntu Touch?
Who is developing Ubuntu Touch?
What sets Ubuntu Touch apart from Apple and Android?
Convergence... what is it and how does it work?
What is UBports?
What is the UBports Foundation?
16.04... Here we come!!
Which devices will be supported by the 16.04 branch?
Why not skip 16.04 and go directly to 18.04?
What is the most recent version?
When will I be able to re-flash my phone with new 16.04 image?
General Questions
Hello there. I am new to Ubuntu Touch and UBports and just looking around, trying to understand the system and how I might be able to help...?
Does Ubuntu Touch work in my country?
Which device is the best to give Ubuntu Touch a try?
What are the Core Devices?
Fairphone 2
OnePlus One
Will you build on the foundation provided by Canonical?
Does UBports guarantee support for Ubuntu Touch?
Why does Ubuntu Touch use the Android kernel?
We rely on Android kernel and drivers to make the phone work. This is the unfortunate reality of Android hardware.
What license does Ubuntu Touch use?
Ubuntu operates under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and all of the application software installed by default is free software. In addition, Ubuntu installs some hardware drivers that are available only in binary format, but such packages are clearly marked in the restricted component.
How can I access the 3G/4G network on the device?
With all this talk of Librem 5, Purism's new phone, can I install Ubuntu Touch on it?
Great question. We are excited about the Librem 5 phone and think it might be a great new Ubuntu Touch device. Time will tell what the final device will look like and we will analyze its capabilities as a future Ubuntu Touch device once the details are finalized.
Which applications run on Ubuntu Touch?
There are many applications in the OpenStore that run on Ubuntu Touch. Some popular applications include: Telegram messenger, uMatriks, Podbird (audio shows), Dekko2 (email), Instagraph (instagram) and uNav. However, many of the apps that you know on Android/iOS might not exist yet. There is a project called Anbox that is working on allowing android apps to be run on Ubuntu Touch.
Anbox...The world of Android apps with the power and security of Ubuntu Touch!
Where can I find apps for Ubuntu Touch?
Is there any documentation for Ubuntu Touch?
Our documentation can be found at our Read The Docs page.
How can I stay informed about all that is happening with Ubuntu Touch?
OS Development
Where do I report Ubuntu Touch bugs?
By far the thing that excites me the most about Ubuntu Touch is the prospect of Desktop mode, could you explain it in a bit more detail?
Will Ubuntu Touch have a desktop interface if plugged via HDMI cable or Slimport?
Yes, if your phone is capable you will be able to run Ubuntu Touch on it's touch screen, but then dock it to an external screen, and be presented with the Desktop shell. This is the power of Convergence which the UBports team is excited to bring to your mobile devices.
Is it possible to dual-boot with Android? (e.g. Multirom)
Multiboot is not fun to maintain and we don't have time to do it. Some people have been able to get this working with kernel patches and recovery tricks, but it will kill OTA updates. We plan for Anbox to solve the Android problem.
What are the minimum hardware requirements (processor, ram, storage, etc)?
Currently on the 15.04 code-base, the minimum specs for the Ubuntu Touch operating system are:
1 Ghz dual core Cortext A9
1 GB ram
OpenGL/ES supported graphics
8 GB storage
How will Ubuntu Touch work with the new SNAP packages?
A snap is a self-contained package of libraries and run-times that provide all the necessary ingredients to allow an application to run. This allow the snap to be confined from the OS and other apps through security mechanisms but still allow communication with other snaps according to policies defined by the user. In addition, users have the ability to upgrade/downgrade applications without affecting the core OS or any other applications. This is game changing for GNU/Linux as it allows apps to be upgraded and modified worry free since it is possible to easily roll back to a previous state. Our goal is to support Snap packages on the M10 Tablets and Pro 5 device once the 16.04 update arrives. OS and Kernel patches will need modification and this is still a work in progress.
How can I use an SD card for extra storage?
The internal memory of your Ubuntu Touch device can be expanded using a microSD card as long as your device has the hardware to support it. To begin using an SD card, simple insert it into your device until you hear a click which indicates its been inserted correctly. To remove the card, safely unmount the card using the External Drives app, then press in on the card to eject it.