Introduction
What is Ubuntu Touch?
Ubuntu Touch is the touch-friendly mobile version of the popular Ubuntu operating system. Originally designed and developed by Canonical Ltd, the project now resides with the UBports Foundation.
The Ubuntu operating system, upon which Ubuntu Touch is based, is one of the most popular GNU/Linux distributions in the world. UBports is the new home for Ubuntu Touch and will continue with Canonical's original mission of Convergence — the bold idea of bringing mobile computing to the desktop and desktop computing to mobile which will now be developed by the UBports Foundation.
The goal of Convergence will be to seamlessly blend mobile and desktop environments into a single unified experience. UBports Foundation is excited to continue development of Ubuntu Touch and to bring Convergence to life.
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?
From our recent developments of Project Sudoku, we've been able to change how we will handle our policy for the Legacy phones. In our original plan to bring our platform to 16.04, we were using systemd, which requires changes to a device's kernel to use versus Upstart. With Sudoku, we are continuing to use Upstart. This means that we can bring 16.04 to all of our currently supported devices.
We have begun creating 16.04 images for all supported devices. It is currently only for use by developers and testers and we welcome your contributions.
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...?
We need you! UBports is a welcoming community of like minded individuals interested in promoting Ubuntu Touch. If you are interested in Ubuntu Touch we would love to have you. Please vist our Get Involved and Welcome pages to find out more about Ubuntu Touch.
Does Ubuntu Touch work in my country?
Ubuntu Touch works everywhere: Underwater, In space, or even in Canada. Your connectivity will depend on the device hardware and networks available in those locations though. Please see devices page for more information about frequency compatibility.
Which device is the best to give Ubuntu Touch a try?
The Nexus 5, Fairphone 2 and Oneplus One offer the best experience and are used by many people as their Daily Drivers.
What are the Core Devices?
Core Devices are the Devices that will receive all the new features, critical security-updates and bug-fixes from UBports. These devices will soon be rebased on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. Until then, the existing legacy image (based on 15.04) can be installed.
Fairphone 2
OnePlus One
Nexus 5
BQ M10 FHD
To find our most current and up to date list of devices
Will you build on the foundation provided by Canonical?
Yes! UBports will take over all devices and will continue delivering new features for the core devices. The older legacy devices will be maintained on life support and the actual work will happen in the non-legacy branch, but we will still provide critical security-updates and merge bug-fixes from the community. This way you will still be able to use your phone with Ubuntu Touch if you own one of the official devices, but the cool and shiny new features will probably only land in the non-legacy branch.
Due to the limitations of the closed Android device trees on the official BQ and Meizu products, we have no choice but to relegate them to the legacy branch. Without access to the device tree, this prevents us from fixing bugs in hardware enablement or adding new features dependent on the kernel.
Does UBports guarantee support for Ubuntu Touch?
Like everyone else, although we cannot be held legally liable for any problems that happen with the devices, we will always work diligently to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, should they arise. Just like you, we are passionate about every device working as smoothly as possible and we look forward to you helping us accomplish this.
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?
It should just work, if for some reason it doesn't verify that your mobile broadband provider is part of /usr/share/mobile-broadband-provider-info/serviceproviders.xml.
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!
Anbox puts the Android operating system into a container, abstracts hardware access and integrates core system services into a GNU/Linux system. Every Android application will be integrated with your operating system like any other native application.
Installation instructions are now at UBports Docs
It is to be noted that Anbox currently works only on select devices (listed in the docus) running 16.04. Thus, it is meant only for testing by experienced users in its current state. Neither Anbox nor 16.04 are ready as a daily driver. Anbox requires a kernel change, which has not been completely tested yet. This is so that the "Android Binder" will work. Eventually there will be a "two-binder" system so that the Anbox and Ubuntu Touch parts don't interfere with each other.
Report any Anbox issues here.
Where can I find apps for Ubuntu Touch?
In the OpenStore app running on Ubuntu Touch or browse online at the uAppExlorer. The Ubuntu Store will be closing its doors at the end of 2017 and we will be working with developers to help migrate their apps over to the OpenStore.
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?
Our Community Updates is the UBports channel which provides live updates directly from the lead developers about the current state of Ubuntu Touch. It is usually a fun and entertaining way to find out exactly what is happening behind the scenes. To find out when the next one will take place, follow us in Telegram, check out the forums or subscribe to the News Feed.
The Ubuntu Touch Audiocast is a less technical focus that is light, educational, entertaining.
And of course the Forums for a more permanent record of all things technical.
OS Development
Where do I report Ubuntu Touch bugs?
Please start by contacting us in our Telegram SuperGroup
To report any bugs and issues with Ubuntu Touch, go here and search you device code name. To report any bugs and issues with Ubuntu Touch, check out Ubuntu Touch Issues and search for your device code name. For proper documenting procedures and further details on bug reporting, follow our Issue Tracking Guidelines.
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?
This new mode called Desktop mode, is what makes Ubuntu Touch so exciting and why the project has gained enormous support. This concept, following in the philosophy of Convergence, allows a mobile device to automatically transform into a desktop computer when attached to an external screen. Paired with a Bluetooh keyboard and mouse, the phone will have all the capability of Ubuntu for desktop, but will be running from your mobile device. The possibilities are groundbreaking and we are excited to continue developing this feature and look forward to expanding the possibilities.
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.
I am interested in learning programming for Ubuntu Touch, what is the best language to start with and are there any courses?
Who is developing the core OS functions?
Marius Gripsgard
Ricardo Mendoza
Jan Sprinz
Members of the community.
Where can I get information on the "core packages"?
All of the required packages for the system are found in our metapackage.
The packages we build are also in the repo.
Halium is a hardware abstraction layer right?
Halium is the collaborative project to unify the Hardware Abstraction Layer for projects which run GNU/Linux on mobile devices with pre-installed Android. What this means is quicker development and lanches of Ubuntu Touch on halium based android devices. None of our existing devices will run halium since it doesn't really make sense from a development stand point. Ubuntu Touch is being actively developed to run on vanilla Halium but isn't ready yet.
Can you offer full disk encryption capabilities?
We don‘t have a GUI for this yet, but we should have the ability to encrypt the home folder using the terminal similar to how it‘s done on a regular install of Ubuntu.
How can one contribute to graphics and UX design?
There are multiple ways to present and offer them. Get in touch with us on Telegram or #ubports at Freenode to discuss.
You can also find information on our Get Involved page.
If you wish to submit new designs via github, you can start an issue and post images of your ideas.
How can I create a theme?
Right now, you‘d do this by creating a UITK style, but we don‘t have terribly much information for this. It‘s possible that changes will come with 16.04, but we‘re not sure yet.
Why are apps not allowed to run in the background/when the phone is locked?
This was a design decision made by the developers at Canonical. The goal was to give Ubuntu Touch the longest possible battery life, sacrificing a bit of usability for it. For some apps there exists a special rule called life-cycle exception, and they are allowed to work in the background. For example the music player works with this exception. UBports is working on a concept that will relax these strict rules a bit for future releases.
Have you considered a hotfix release to fix (issue x)?
What is Ubuntu for Android and how does it work with Ubuntu Touch?
Ubuntu Touch is the operating system that runs on the bare metal, so to speak, of the phone and is developed and maintained by UBports. Our software is designed to completely wipe off android, except for the bits to control camera, modem, gps, etc, and install a totally new and advanced OS.
Ubuntu for Android is an app created by Canonical for Android devices. The two projects are not related.
Will the ARMv6 architecture be supported?
Ubuntu Touch currently targets the ARMv7 and above Application Processor family (Cortex A8, A9 and above).
Installation & Porting
Where can I chat about and possibly getting help installing Ubuntu Touch?
We invite you to join our Newcomers Room where all of the friendly UBports Welcoming Team are ready to help. This is a special area to not only help with installation questions, but also to introduce yourself and get to know some other community members outside our main Supergroup. We understand that with 1000 members strong, you may not feel comfortable jumping right in, so we created a side area for introductions. If you would like to join the Ubuntu Touch community this is a great place to start.
How do I install Ubuntu Touch on my device?
If you have one of our supported devices, please see our Get Ubuntu Touch page.
Will you port to my device, which is not currently in the core devices or legacy devices list?
Due to limited time and resources, we are not porting to new devices until the 16.04 rebase is finished.
Devices provides of list of our supported phones and tablets.
If you should want to get involved in porting, our documentation provides further information.
How does the Ubuntu Installer work?
Ubuntu Installer is simple and easy to use.
Launch the downloaded AppImage and follow the instructions. Its that easy. Please contact us and let us know how it went!
I've heard about this Magic-Device-Tool, what is it and how does it work?
What is ADB for and why do I need it?
In simple terms, adb is a way for your desktop computer and device to communitcate with each other through a USB cable. It is a tool that comes with android-tools-adb and android-tools-fastboot which is used by the Ubuntu Touch installer on a supported device.
If you are on Ubuntu 16.04 desktop computer, type the following commands in termainl: sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot phablet-tools
I've heard about a CPT installer, what is it?
It is an older installer that was a temporarily solution when UBports started and has been replaced by the UBports-Installer.
How do I install Ubuntu Touch on my laptop/desktop?
Our primary focus is on Ubuntu Touch for mobile phones and tablets at the moment. We have not yet produced an x86 build of Ubuntu Touch but compatibility will be provided later to support the converged device use case.
Translation
Who do I contact and where do I go if I am interested in helping in the area of languages and translation ?
Please join and get in touch with someone in our UBlangs Telegram group to find out more.
What is UBlangs (and who is in charge of naming)?
UBlangs is our telegram group devoted to translating Ubuntu Touch and the applications that run on it.
Our Welcome Page has a list of current Telegram language groups. If you don't see your language listed, please contact us to see about setting it up.
Apps and App Development
Where can I find apps for Ubuntu Touch?
On any device running Ubuntu Touch you can check out the OpenStore app to see all the apps available in the official UBports store. To browse the collection from a desktop computer, please see uAppExplorer for a current list of available apps.
Does Ubuntu Touch support Android apps?
We are working on it! We are happy to announce that Anbox is now available on our 16.04 Ubuntu Touch builds, but this is a work in progress.
Does Ubuntu Touch support desktop applications?
We would like a lot more X11 apps to be avaible on Xenial. Xmir will make this a lot easier. The Libertine container was difficult to worth with, but we want it to work.
How can I create apps using Clickable?
Check out our documentation for information on creating apps.
Brian Douglas has created Clickable to compile, build, and deploy Ubuntu Touch click packages all from the command line.
Will all apps be migrated from the Canonical store to the OpenStore?
We've taken a fairly conservative stance on moving apps wholesale from the Canonical store into the OpenStore. We don't want to be stuck with a ton of apps that will never have any hope of being maintained again. Instead, we've been contacting and encouraging developers to move their apps on their own accord.
If you have any app that you just can't live without and the developer hasn't moved it yet, we encourage you to let them know that you love their app and want to see it continue.
Is it possible to setup Linuxbrew and install formulae?
Linuxbrew will provide more information.
Features Can install software to a home directory and so does not require sudo Install software not packaged by the native distribution Install up-to-date versions of software when the native distribution is old Use the same package manager to manage both your Mac and GNU/Linux machines
Can I use the APT repositories on Ubuntu Touch and install packages?
Our goal is to provide a single platform for app developers, which will allow a single codebase to run on all Ubuntu Touch devices. It is possible to use apt on your Ubuntu Touch device but it is only for developers as it will most certainly break future ota updates.
Other
How do you pronounce UBports? How do you say Ubuntu?
OK, so if you watched any of the YouTube live shows, then you know what this is about!
UBports is pronounced "You Be Ports" and Ubuntu is pronounced "Ooh boon too". UBports is not plural, never remove the S from the end.