7 ms·

Ubuntu ported to the Nexus 7

121 points by onosendai 14y ago

mariusmg 14y ago
OK...but why ? It's not like Unity is a good fit for a 7" tablet.
- densh 14y ago
  Very simple use case: connect keyboard and mouse and you'll get portable linux workstation. It's a pity that there is no hdmi out but you shouldn't expect a lot from $200 tablet. As a bonus you'll have lots of open source packages (including various development tools) that will run just fine on this relatively powerful hardware. Most of the user-friendly ubuntu apps won't be usable without a mouse. There are also lots of keyboard-oriented applications that might be fine with just a keyboard.
  - ConstantineXVI 14y ago
    As is, the N7 works just fine for me as a SSH terminal to a proper Linux machine in a pinch. Had to hack (or more precisely, hack the hacks in) ConnectBot[0] a bit to make it recognize modifier keys normally on BT keyboards, but not too bad overall. [0] https://github.com/ConstantineXVI/connectbot https://github.com/ConstantineXVI/connectbot
  - levesque 14y ago
    Yeah, this is about the only reason I'd be interested in such an OS (the switch to a linux workstation with just a mouse/keyboard). I don't think Canonical has the manpower to produce a polished OS like Android Jellybean. Oh well, it'll be interesting to follow.
  - jiggy2011 14y ago
    Any idea if this can be dual booted with Android/Ubuntu? I've been wanting a lightweight notebook and a tablet computer for a while now and I'm on a limited budget. This could do that perfectly.
  - ovi256 14y ago
    You mention HDMI out. $100 chinese tablets have it [1]. Arguably they don't have the same screen and quality battery as the Nexus 7. 1. http://www.ainolstore.com/ainol-novo-7-mars-cortex-a9-android-hd-display-tablets.html http://www.ainolstore.com/ainol-novo-7-mars-cortex-a9-androi...
    - 6ren 14y ago
      That's single core (not quad) and 1GHz (not 1.3GHz). But $87.99 is a great price if that's fast enough.
    - deleted 14y ago
      [deleted]
  - deleted 14y ago
    [deleted]
  - nickpresta 14y ago
    HDMI out is done via MHL adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Menotek-Adapter-IMPROVED-Protocol-Sensation/dp/B005F9W6DU http://www.amazon.com/Menotek-Adapter-IMPROVED-Protocol-Sens...
james-skemp 14y ago
For what it is, I personally think the Nexus 7's OS is perfect for the device. It's been years since I've played with Ubuntu, and this potential announcement probably isn't going to change that. And is Ubuntu now going into touch devices? Honest question: How is this different than throwing Windows onto something like this?
- ConstantineXVI 14y ago
  AFAIK; an eventual move into touchscreens has been one of the justifications for Unity. And since you mentioned it, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw WinRT get hacked up on the N7 at some point, given that it and the Surface are packing the same chipset.
  - james-skemp 14y ago
    Thanks. Like I said, I haven't kept track of Ubuntu, so I wasn't aware of the change of focus. Given the possible pricing of Surface devices, it would be interesting to see WinRT on the Nexus 7. But I doubt Microsoft would let it last.
    - ConstantineXVI 14y ago
      Of course they'd make token gestures to block it, to appease their shareholders. But like their loose grip on Office piracy, a WinRT pirate is far better for Microsoft than a legitimate Android or iOS user.
- Breakthrough 14y ago
  I love how you say "the Nexus 7's OS" when clearly, Android is used on a wide variety of devices (who calls the software on their phone the Droid Razr's OS or the Galaxy SII's OS? just saying...). Oh, and honest answer: It's a full-suited desktop OS, so you're right - it's not different than throwing Windows on it (aside from the obvious differences in the Windows/Linux software architecture and distribution models). You still get all the benefits of a full desktop OS :)
dewiz 14y ago
when I access that page I can't help but being distracted by animated ads to cut down my belly.
- keithpeter 14y ago
  http://www.readability.com/articles/hlfovpcf http://www.readability.com/articles/hlfovpcf using the readability bookmarklet or simply add noscript to your Firefox instance. PS: I know what you mean.
mtgx 14y ago
This is my problem with Ubuntu and Unity, and why I much prefer Linux Mint as a "Windows replacement" OS. They say they made that side bar to "work well with touchscreen devices, too", but as we can see Unity on a touchscreen devices offers a pretty poor experience, and the sidebar is just about the only thing that is meant for touchscreens in Ubuntu. The global menu and everything else is clearly meant for a PC and a mouse. So why annoy the PC users with the sidebar, when it's not even that good of a UI for tablets? They're much better off designing a tablet-first UI for tablets, if they want to get into that, and stick with designing a well optimized PC UI for PC's. I've never been a believer of one UI for all form factors and sizes, because you usually end up with the UI being optimized just for one form factor and size, and mediocre or downright terrible for others. You need to optimize the UI for its own form factor and size. It's the only way to make it work well.
- levesque 14y ago
  I'm going to argue that the real tablet UI elements developed by the guys at Canonical are the lenses (aka the dash), not the side menu. They are full screen, display large icons, allow you to implement a lot of features (e.g., see Music/video, Documents and Shopping lenses) while using the same UI. The top bar is only important for its notification icons - the global menu is slowly going to fade out, replaced by in-app icons (see for example google chrome). I agree with you that one UI for all form factors and sizes is probably a bad idea, but I think I see where they are going for tablets. I pretty much hate Unity for the desktop, but I think for tablets it will make sense.
- itry 14y ago
  I was an Ubuntu user for years. When tablets became famous, I was thinking: Wow, if I only could have Ubuntu on these devices. Then they lost me because of Unity. I tried several days, but it was simply not geared toward my workflow. Thank God I discovered Mint. Mint is awesome. Then they introduced this new find-something-thing that sends everything you type to their servers. A privacy nightmare. And a usability nightmare. Thats just the wrong philosophy. So I also dont want them on my tablets. Its surprising, how quick things can change. I was a huge Ubuntu supporter from 2005 to 2012. And now I warn people to not use it.
napoleoncomplex 14y ago
Hopefully this means Ubuntu for Android[0] is getting ready for primetime. I'm stoked about the future with this. A phone which boots into Ubuntu when docked, and allows me to get rid of all other devices is the stuff of dreams for me. [0]http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android
- keithpeter 14y ago
  Yes, I could use that approach as well, especially if rdp was supported when docked.
  - achiang 14y ago
    freerdp runs well in Ubuntu today. Additionally, we've baked thin client support into Ubuntu Desktop starting with the most recent release (12.10). Ubuntu for Android is positioned as a fully functional desktop on your phone. I'll leave it up to you to connect the rest of the dots. For some more details, my blog: http://www.chizang.net/alex/blog/2012/09/27/ubuntu-12-10-remote-greeter/ http://www.chizang.net/alex/blog/2012/09/27/ubuntu-12-10-rem... [speaking individually, not for Canonical]
- achiang 14y ago
  Ubuntu for Android is a separate, but related effort. Again, quoting Mark: "We have two short cycles before we’re into the LTS, and by then we want to have the phone, tablet and TV all lined up." [speaking individually, not representing Canonical]
  - napoleoncomplex 14y ago
    So there will be Ubuntu for Android and a separate Ubuntu Mobile? You probably can't answer that, but doesn't hurt to try :). Are you able to say anything about Ubuntu for Android? It's been pretty quiet ever since it got announced, though there was a video in August showing it off.
    - 14y ago
achiang 14y ago
The people making comments about Unity on this device have some valid points, but are missing the forest for the trees. One of the major themes of 13.04 and the entire point of this demo is to fix the core of Ubuntu, as was referenced in Mark's blog: "I think it’s time to look at the core of Ubuntu and review it through a mobile lens: let’s measure our core platform by mobile metrics, things like battery life, number of running processes, memory footprint, and polish the rough edges that we find when we do that." Don't expect the Unity UI experience to be optimized for this device in the 13.04 time frame. That's not the goal. Not speaking officially here, just trying to help people connect the dots of what Canonical have publicly revealed thus far.
- keithpeter 14y ago
  If the core includes sound drivers and a sensible structure to sound then bring it on... ...I know this is a niche area but the application of cheap touch tablets to sound synthesis software could open up a huge realm of activity. Then there is the use of a stylus for accurate work...
  - achiang 14y ago
    I wouldn't expect any huge departure from the existing sound architecture (PulseAudio, ALSA).
    - keithpeter 14y ago
      Fair enough, exciting project!
    - rdtsc 14y ago
      achiang, Unfortunately (and, conversely, fortunately for Ubuntu) Android audio on tablets sucks. Especially when we talk low latency audio. It is bad, in the 100s of milliseconds of latency, which is laughable really for anyone who tries to do audio synthesis or any realtime audio features. So frankly, just bringing ALSA or PulseAudio to the table will hugely improve the situation. Google is aware of the issue (http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=3434 http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=3434) it was starred about 2000 times with 400+ comments. Again, this is a niche area for some and most don't care, but those who do would love have an alternative to iPad for example, when it comes to audio latency performance.
georgemcbay 14y ago
I've got no interest in Ubuntu on a Nexus 7 but this gives me some hope they might do a semi-official port to those new $250 Chromebooks (assuming they are as open to hacking as the old chromebooks). ARM based Linux ultrabook-alike on a high powered chip for $250? Now that would get me using Ubuntu again.
- steevdave 14y ago
  They probably won't officially support it because it is a consumer device. If you want Ubuntu on it, it will be community supported, or ask Samsung to do the work/pay them to port and support it.

121 points by onosendai 14y ago

mariusmg 14y ago

OK...but why ? It's not like Unity is a good fit for a 7" tablet.

densh 14y ago
Very simple use case: connect keyboard and mouse and you'll get portable linux workstation. It's a pity that there is no hdmi out but you shouldn't expect a lot from $200 tablet. As a bonus you'll have lots of open source packages (including various development tools) that will run just fine on this relatively powerful hardware. Most of the user-friendly ubuntu apps won't be usable without a mouse. There are also lots of keyboard-oriented applications that might be fine with just a keyboard.
- ConstantineXVI 14y ago
  As is, the N7 works just fine for me as a SSH terminal to a proper Linux machine in a pinch. Had to hack (or more precisely, hack the hacks in) ConnectBot[0] a bit to make it recognize modifier keys normally on BT keyboards, but not too bad overall. [0] https://github.com/ConstantineXVI/connectbot https://github.com/ConstantineXVI/connectbot
- levesque 14y ago
  Yeah, this is about the only reason I'd be interested in such an OS (the switch to a linux workstation with just a mouse/keyboard). I don't think Canonical has the manpower to produce a polished OS like Android Jellybean. Oh well, it'll be interesting to follow.
- jiggy2011 14y ago
  Any idea if this can be dual booted with Android/Ubuntu? I've been wanting a lightweight notebook and a tablet computer for a while now and I'm on a limited budget. This could do that perfectly.
- ovi256 14y ago
  You mention HDMI out. $100 chinese tablets have it [1]. Arguably they don't have the same screen and quality battery as the Nexus 7. 1. http://www.ainolstore.com/ainol-novo-7-mars-cortex-a9-android-hd-display-tablets.html http://www.ainolstore.com/ainol-novo-7-mars-cortex-a9-androi...
  - 6ren 14y ago
    That's single core (not quad) and 1GHz (not 1.3GHz). But $87.99 is a great price if that's fast enough.
  - deleted 14y ago
    [deleted]
- deleted 14y ago
  [deleted]
- nickpresta 14y ago
  HDMI out is done via MHL adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Menotek-Adapter-IMPROVED-Protocol-Sensation/dp/B005F9W6DU http://www.amazon.com/Menotek-Adapter-IMPROVED-Protocol-Sens...

james-skemp 14y ago

For what it is, I personally think the Nexus 7's OS is perfect for the device. It's been years since I've played with Ubuntu, and this potential announcement probably isn't going to change that. And is Ubuntu now going into touch devices? Honest question: How is this different than throwing Windows onto something like this?

ConstantineXVI 14y ago
AFAIK; an eventual move into touchscreens has been one of the justifications for Unity. And since you mentioned it, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw WinRT get hacked up on the N7 at some point, given that it and the Surface are packing the same chipset.
- james-skemp 14y ago
  Thanks. Like I said, I haven't kept track of Ubuntu, so I wasn't aware of the change of focus. Given the possible pricing of Surface devices, it would be interesting to see WinRT on the Nexus 7. But I doubt Microsoft would let it last.
  - ConstantineXVI 14y ago
    Of course they'd make token gestures to block it, to appease their shareholders. But like their loose grip on Office piracy, a WinRT pirate is far better for Microsoft than a legitimate Android or iOS user.
Breakthrough 14y ago
I love how you say "the Nexus 7's OS" when clearly, Android is used on a wide variety of devices (who calls the software on their phone the Droid Razr's OS or the Galaxy SII's OS? just saying...). Oh, and honest answer: It's a full-suited desktop OS, so you're right - it's not different than throwing Windows on it (aside from the obvious differences in the Windows/Linux software architecture and distribution models). You still get all the benefits of a full desktop OS :)

dewiz 14y ago

when I access that page I can't help but being distracted by animated ads to cut down my belly.

keithpeter 14y ago
http://www.readability.com/articles/hlfovpcf http://www.readability.com/articles/hlfovpcf using the readability bookmarklet or simply add noscript to your Firefox instance. PS: I know what you mean.

mtgx 14y ago

This is my problem with Ubuntu and Unity, and why I much prefer Linux Mint as a "Windows replacement" OS. They say they made that side bar to "work well with touchscreen devices, too", but as we can see Unity on a touchscreen devices offers a pretty poor experience, and the sidebar is just about the only thing that is meant for touchscreens in Ubuntu. The global menu and everything else is clearly meant for a PC and a mouse. So why annoy the PC users with the sidebar, when it's not even that good of a UI for tablets? They're much better off designing a tablet-first UI for tablets, if they want to get into that, and stick with designing a well optimized PC UI for PC's. I've never been a believer of one UI for all form factors and sizes, because you usually end up with the UI being optimized just for one form factor and size, and mediocre or downright terrible for others. You need to optimize the UI for its own form factor and size. It's the only way to make it work well.

levesque 14y ago
I'm going to argue that the real tablet UI elements developed by the guys at Canonical are the lenses (aka the dash), not the side menu. They are full screen, display large icons, allow you to implement a lot of features (e.g., see Music/video, Documents and Shopping lenses) while using the same UI. The top bar is only important for its notification icons - the global menu is slowly going to fade out, replaced by in-app icons (see for example google chrome). I agree with you that one UI for all form factors and sizes is probably a bad idea, but I think I see where they are going for tablets. I pretty much hate Unity for the desktop, but I think for tablets it will make sense.
itry 14y ago
I was an Ubuntu user for years. When tablets became famous, I was thinking: Wow, if I only could have Ubuntu on these devices. Then they lost me because of Unity. I tried several days, but it was simply not geared toward my workflow. Thank God I discovered Mint. Mint is awesome. Then they introduced this new find-something-thing that sends everything you type to their servers. A privacy nightmare. And a usability nightmare. Thats just the wrong philosophy. So I also dont want them on my tablets. Its surprising, how quick things can change. I was a huge Ubuntu supporter from 2005 to 2012. And now I warn people to not use it.

napoleoncomplex 14y ago

Hopefully this means Ubuntu for Android[0] is getting ready for primetime. I'm stoked about the future with this. A phone which boots into Ubuntu when docked, and allows me to get rid of all other devices is the stuff of dreams for me. [0]http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android

keithpeter 14y ago
Yes, I could use that approach as well, especially if rdp was supported when docked.
- achiang 14y ago
  freerdp runs well in Ubuntu today. Additionally, we've baked thin client support into Ubuntu Desktop starting with the most recent release (12.10). Ubuntu for Android is positioned as a fully functional desktop on your phone. I'll leave it up to you to connect the rest of the dots. For some more details, my blog: http://www.chizang.net/alex/blog/2012/09/27/ubuntu-12-10-remote-greeter/ http://www.chizang.net/alex/blog/2012/09/27/ubuntu-12-10-rem... [speaking individually, not for Canonical]
achiang 14y ago
Ubuntu for Android is a separate, but related effort. Again, quoting Mark: "We have two short cycles before we’re into the LTS, and by then we want to have the phone, tablet and TV all lined up." [speaking individually, not representing Canonical]
- napoleoncomplex 14y ago
  So there will be Ubuntu for Android and a separate Ubuntu Mobile? You probably can't answer that, but doesn't hurt to try :). Are you able to say anything about Ubuntu for Android? It's been pretty quiet ever since it got announced, though there was a video in August showing it off.
  - 14y ago

achiang 14y ago

The people making comments about Unity on this device have some valid points, but are missing the forest for the trees. One of the major themes of 13.04 and the entire point of this demo is to fix the core of Ubuntu, as was referenced in Mark's blog: "I think it’s time to look at the core of Ubuntu and review it through a mobile lens: let’s measure our core platform by mobile metrics, things like battery life, number of running processes, memory footprint, and polish the rough edges that we find when we do that." Don't expect the Unity UI experience to be optimized for this device in the 13.04 time frame. That's not the goal. Not speaking officially here, just trying to help people connect the dots of what Canonical have publicly revealed thus far.

keithpeter 14y ago
If the core includes sound drivers and a sensible structure to sound then bring it on... ...I know this is a niche area but the application of cheap touch tablets to sound synthesis software could open up a huge realm of activity. Then there is the use of a stylus for accurate work...
- achiang 14y ago
  I wouldn't expect any huge departure from the existing sound architecture (PulseAudio, ALSA).
  - keithpeter 14y ago
    Fair enough, exciting project!
  - rdtsc 14y ago
    achiang, Unfortunately (and, conversely, fortunately for Ubuntu) Android audio on tablets sucks. Especially when we talk low latency audio. It is bad, in the 100s of milliseconds of latency, which is laughable really for anyone who tries to do audio synthesis or any realtime audio features. So frankly, just bringing ALSA or PulseAudio to the table will hugely improve the situation. Google is aware of the issue (http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=3434 http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=3434) it was starred about 2000 times with 400+ comments. Again, this is a niche area for some and most don't care, but those who do would love have an alternative to iPad for example, when it comes to audio latency performance.

georgemcbay 14y ago

I've got no interest in Ubuntu on a Nexus 7 but this gives me some hope they might do a semi-official port to those new $250 Chromebooks (assuming they are as open to hacking as the old chromebooks). ARM based Linux ultrabook-alike on a high powered chip for $250? Now that would get me using Ubuntu again.

steevdave 14y ago
They probably won't officially support it because it is a consumer device. If you want Ubuntu on it, it will be community supported, or ask Samsung to do the work/pay them to port and support it.