Canonical's dual booting Ubuntu / Android Ubuntu Edge smartphone has been made official and it entered a 30-day crowdfunding campaign during which the company needs to raise $32 million to produce a limited run of its first smartphone.
The phone
Just as a trademark suggested a few days ago, Ubuntu Edge is indeed the name of Canonical's first smartphone, and here's what you can expect from the Ubuntu Edge, when it comes to specs and features:
- Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
- Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
- Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
- 4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
- 8mp low-light rear camera, 2mp front camera
- Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
- GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
- Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
- MHL connector, 3.5mm jack
- Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
- 64 x 9 x 124mm
As you can see, it's not a high-end device by some 2013 standards regarding display and camera performance, but it certainly surpasses competing devices when looking at other specs, such as RAM and storage. The processor is also said to be "the very latest, fastest multi-core" model, although it's not mentioned yet.
As for design, here's what you can expect from the Ubuntu Edge:
Crafted from cool, textured amorphous metal, the Edge has a distinctive, precise look but its rakishly chamfered edges are shaped to fit naturally in the palm -- our design prototype already has a wonderfully solid feel. It's the right size, too. Edge gestures are the next big thing in mobile, and our testing has found that a 4.5in screen is ideal for comfortable control of all four edges with one hand.
The following video will better explain what Ubuntu Edge is all about:
The $32 million
The Ubuntu Edge will be the company's first device that will run its mobile operating system, and it's quite interesting to see the company go to IndieGoGo to raise the necessary funds to make it – apparently this is the biggest cash target ever for a crowdfunded product.
The company explained that the Ubuntu Edge will be for smartphones what Formula 1 is for cars. Essentially, the device will be made for those people that want cutting-edge technology, and that's why the company is crowdfunding it.
The $32 million is needed to make only 40,000 units, so in case you want to get the handset you'll have to follow the links available in the Source section below to get your pledge in.At the time this article was written, almost $130,000 had been pledged, so the campaign looks like it's off to a good start.
There are several tiers available for those of you interested, from $20 to $80,000. In order to score the Ubuntu Edge handset, you'll either have to pay $600 (special price available today only) or pay $830 for it. The device will ship at some point in May 2014.
Are you buying?
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