Ubuntu Finally Gets Hardware Partners For Its Smartphone OS

Back in January 2013, Mark Shuttleworth demoed Ubuntu’s mobile platform. In the market that's completely dominated by Android and iOS, with two more platforms Windows Phone and BB10 struggling for the third place, we felt that it was quite difficult for another OS to make its presence felt. Even today the condition remains the same. Samsung wants to bring back Tizen and Nokia planning something big for the MWC 2014 event in Barcelona. So where does Ubuntu Touch stand?

Even after a failed crowd funding attempt to build their own smartphone, Ubuntu’s founder Mark Shuttleworth has not given up yet. The organisation has now tied-up with two hardware partners, Meizu from China and BQ Reader from Spain. You may not have heard of these names, but these handset makers have been running a world of their own, building an empire and robust product portfolio.

They were brought in mainly because of their expertise in market penetration so says Mark Shuttlworth (or maybe no one else was interested in Ubuntu project). He added that Ubuntu Touch will be “delivering an experience which departs from the tired app icon grid of Android and iOS and provides a fluid, content-rich experience for all.”

Let’s hope the platform takes-off, but as always, its success will eventually depend on the app count.