Ubuntu Edge

Canonical targets crowdfunding record with campaign to accelerate mobile technology with Ubuntu Edge superphone / PC combination

• $32m campaign to deliver world’s first truly converged personal computing device based on Ubuntu phone OS and pioneering hardware.
• Ubuntu Edge harnesses crowdfunding to accelerate innovation in smartphone and computing markets.

Canonical today launches the biggest ever crowdfunding campaign to develop the Ubuntu Edge, converging mobile convenience with desktop power in a single device. The campaign aims to raise an unprecedented $32 million (£21.5 million) over 30 days on Indiegogo, for a limited production run of 40,000 devices.

Ubuntu Edge will be a catalyst for mobile innovation as well as hardware and software development. By supporting Ubuntu Edge, the Indiegogo and Ubuntu communities will be accelerating the adoption of these new technologies in mass-market consumer phones. Backers committing $600 (£394) on day one, or $830 (£532) thereafter, will receive one of these groundbreaking mobile devices in May 2014.

Mark Shuttleworth, Founder of Ubuntu comments; “Ubuntu Edge is the ultimate convergence device – challenging established norms for PCs and smartphones. The crowdfunding approach is a new way to prove demand for cutting edge technologies and new classes of device; supporting the Ubuntu Edge is the best way to catalyse the next generation of personal devices from industry.”

The Ubuntu Edge will dual boot Ubuntu phone OS and Android, and will transform into a PC when connected to a monitor, with the full Ubuntu desktop and shared access to all the phone’s files. For this it needs the power of a PC, so Ubuntu Edge will be equipped with the latest, fastest processor, at least 4GB of RAM and a massive 128GB of storage. The exquisitely crafted device replaces the traditional glass screen with a pure Sapphire crystal, so tough it could only be scratched by diamond. It will also pioneer the use of long-life silicon anode battery technology. A special dual-LTE solution will allow high-speed roaming with access to 4G-LTE broadband in both Europe and the US.

According to a recent report from The NPD Group1, 37 percent of consumers have switched to tablets and smartphones for content access. Gartner also reported that worldwide PC shipments in Q1 2013 have dropped to their lowest levels since Q2 20092. Upon completion, the Ubuntu Edge will be the realisation of Canonical’s distinctive vision for a single operating system driving phones, tablets, conventional computers and TVs.

Victor Palau, VP Mobile Delivery at Canonical comments; “The rise of smartphones and the recognition that productivity still requires a PC form factor suggest a great opportunity for a truly converged device. This campaign aims to deliver the finished article.”

Mark Shuttleworth concludes; “To make the future of mobile happen we’ll have to smash every record in crowdfunding history. But if there are enough enthusiasts who want the ultimate in performance, storage, screen, battery and bandwidth, Ubuntu Edge will be the catalyst for awesome innovation, and a taste of the future of the phone.”

Get involved

Visit www.indiegogo.com

Ubuntu Edge specifications: (subject to change)

• Dual-boot Ubuntu Edge into either Ubuntu or Android
• Becomes a fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
• Fast and powerful device with multi-core CPU and at least 4GB RAM
• 128GB of storage for photos, music, content
• 4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD display with pure sapphire crystal screen, the hardest natural substance after diamond
• Cameras made for low-light, fast response and close up pictures: 8mp rear camera, 2mp front
• Faster connection all over the world with dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
• Connect to HDMI TVs and monitors easily with MHL connector, 3.5mm jack
• GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
• Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
• Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
• 64 x 9 x 124mm.

Ends

1. Connected Intelligence Application and Convergence Report , NPD Group, February 2013
2. Gartner, April 2013

About Canonical

Canonical is the commercial sponsor of the Ubuntu project and the leading provider of support services for Ubuntu deployments in the enterprise. Ubuntu is a free, open-source platform for client, server and cloud computing. Since its launch in 2004, it has become a natural choice for users of all kinds, from Fortune 500 companies to hardware makers, content providers, software developers and individual technologists.

With developers, support staff and engineering centres all over the world, Canonical is uniquely positioned to help its partners and enterprise customers make the most of Ubuntu. It also operates Ubuntu One, a cross-platform personal cloud service for consumers. Canonical is a privately held company

PR Contacts

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  • Kelli Gail
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