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Verizon backs Ubuntu smartphone

zdnet.com

61–65 of 65 posts

Re: Verizon backs Ubuntu smartphone

#61
So there's going to be a bunch of carrier crapware, Amazon search results and ads, and no doubt the instability that Ubuntu is known for. No Java/Dalvik, just QML, HTML5 and QT.

I'd rather go with Jolla for a hacker's phone, or just stick to Android. Ubuntu's been dropping the ball alot lately, and their phone project looks DOA...

Re: Verizon backs Ubuntu smartphone

#62
post #31

I don't like the way there are going with Network operators. Depending on a network operator is adding bloatware and less control, more fragmentation and hardware innovation. Rather, How about they start a fund raising campaign or a Kickstarter - use a crowd-funding platform? I will love to pay them. Just to add: I'm mind blown after I switched to Ubuntu a year back. They already have numerous fans like me and Profes…

They really should. If a bunch of ex-Nokia employees can form Jolla, and not only create a device but create as much interest as they have for it, I don't see what's stopping Ubuntu.

It's fairly easy these days to get a Chinese company to assemble any type of hardware for you, if you can commit do a decent sized order...

Re: Verizon backs Ubuntu smartphone

#63
post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I thought that was a feature for 'Ubuntu for Android' (a different product). I could be wrong, but I don't see that feature available under the 'Ubuntu Phone' list of features.

It's right here on the Ubuntu Phone homepage: http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/operators-and-oems

Running a full unity desktop on your average smartphone would be dog slow. Looks like the idea is to use it to deliver thin client services.

Re: Verizon backs Ubuntu smartphone

#64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would call ensuring the survival of the platform they want to market as "advancing ... Mozilla's purpose". To ensure the survival of that platform, they're going to need a native alternative to the HTML5/JS or whatever non-native APIs they're providing. Perhaps they'll be successful on low-end hardware where applications and games don't matter, but non-native stuff is a long ways from the battery life and performan…

> I would call ensuring the survival of the platform they want to market as "advancing ... Mozilla's purpose". Mozilla's purpose is to advance the open web. Firefox OS is a means to that end, promoting a platform with that name independent of its actual nature is not an end to itself. > To ensure the survival of that platform, they're going to need a pragmatic alternative to the HTML5/JS APIs. The entire premise of F…

I think we're just going to have to agree to disagree.

So I'll just leave with this comment:

A platform needs content to survive, and customers are clearly demanding content that currently requires native SDKs on other platforms. Therefore, I believe that Mozilla to have a platform that is commercially interesting must be pragmatic and accept that for the good of the platform, they will need some sort of native SDK. Even if that native SDK is severely limited in scope.

With that said, I will readily admit that Mozilla has made amazing progress. But I also strongly believe that is not yet sufficient to eliminate the need for native SDKs.

Re: Verizon backs Ubuntu smartphone

#65
post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I thought that was a feature for 'Ubuntu for Android' (a different product). I could be wrong, but I don't see that feature available under the 'Ubuntu Phone' list of features.

It's right here on the Ubuntu Phone homepage: http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/operators-and-oems

Well, I stand corrected. That would, indeed, be a killer feature, if it works well. I suspect it won't, unfortunately.
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