Canonical has
announced that images and open source code for the Developer Preview of the Ubuntu Smartphone OS for touchscreen devices will be published on 21 February. This Developer Preview will support the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones.
Canonical added that the images are meant for enthusiasts and developers, to familiarise themselves with Ubuntu's smartphone experience and develop applications on spare handsets, and that tools needed for flashing of the phones will be available on the same day in the Ubuntu archives. It will also publish a Wiki with instructions on the installation process and supported devices, which, according to the company, will be updated as new devices are added.
Canonical will also be present at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona where devices running the OS will be showcased. It is also offering to flash visitors' devices with the new OS.
While new smartphones based on the Ubuntu operating system are expected to be available to the customers by October 2013 in 'two large geographic markets', developers will be able to port the OS to existing devices for everyday testing and experimentation.
"This release marks the threshold of wider engagement - both with industry and community." says Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu. "For developers, contributors and partners, there is now a coherent experience that warrants attention. The cleanest, most stylish mobile interface around."
The company also informed that Ubuntu 13.10, which is due in October, will include a complete entry-level smartphone experience. Canonical has also published a Preview SDK and App Design Guides for developers to create applications for the full range of Ubuntu platforms.
Canonical had
announced the launch of the Ubuntu smartphone OS in January.
Ubuntu OS is an open source operating system, which is based on the Debian Linux distribution and seeks to offer consumers a unified experience on TVs, phones and PCs.