Widescreen Gaming Forum

Hey all,

Just thought I'd post this here in case anyone had missed this who might be interested in it. Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) are trying to build a cutting edge smartphone. The short of it is that they'll be using high-end components that aren't typically found in consumer electronics, and the phone will have the ability to connect to a monitor using MHL to provide a full-fledged Ubuntu desktop running solely off the phone. Oh, and it'll also dual-boot Android with Ubuntu for those who aren't keen on losing their app collection investment. It's an enthusiast device, which I think would appeal to all the enthusiasts that frequent this forum.

The downside is that they're asking for $32 million in crowdfunding to make this happen (it'll be a record-smasher if it happens), and AFAIK the only way to get one is through the IndieGoGo campaign. I've pledged already (had to pledge $50 more than I intended due to ethernet gremlins). My bank account has fallen ill, but all for a good cause.

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"Personally, I see it as a virtue - trying to make the world a slightly better place _without_ trying to impose your moral values on other people. You do whatever the h*ll rings your bell, I'm just an engineer who wants to make the best OS possible." - Linus Torvalds

spent 630$ on that, but i wonder if they will reach the 32 mio. I say they wont.

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We gonna send it to outa space!

I have to admit my hopes are waning a little, but there are comments on the IGG that stoke the fire:
- More press coverage if and when they break the $11M crowdfunding record.
- Canonical will probably have something up their collective sleeves. Maybe we see that tomorrow.
- A lot of people may be on the fence/wanting to think things through, so there might be another burst of pledges as it gets nearer the end.

I haven't been checking all the news sites, but apparently there was some f***up on a major outlet that suggested the phones would hit market in May, and I can imagine quite a lot of potential backers might hold out for that which never comes.

In the meantime, maybe some "imagination stimulants" + this to tide people over (as long as you don't mind the lack of ports).

_________________
"Personally, I see it as a virtue - trying to make the world a slightly better place _without_ trying to impose your moral values on other people. You do whatever the h*ll rings your bell, I'm just an engineer who wants to make the best OS possible." - Linus Torvalds