Ubuntu for Android could be available this year

Ubuntu for Android, a full desktop operating system pre-installed on Android smartphones, could be available before the end of the year.

One of the most popular 'flavours' of Linux, Ubuntu is now trying to get a share of the smartphone pie.

The operating system is being squeezed onto Android handsets, so long as they have dual or quad-core processors and have support for HDMI and USB. Canonical, the commercial company behind Ubuntu, said that more and more handsets were now capable of running Ubuntu for Android.

In order to work, the phone needs to be docked and then connected to an external monitor. Ubuntu for Android will then display on the desktop screen while running entirely on the Android handset. Ubuntu for Android still has access to address book information and can even show SMS messages on the Ubuntu desktop.

There is full access to all of Ubuntu desktop, including the Ubuntu Software Centre for downloading new applications. The company said this would give people a full 'desktop experience'. When no longer docked, the user won't notice that Ubuntu is installed on the smartphone, with the operating system completely hidden until it is connected to a monitor.

Canonical wouldn't say what devices will come with Ubuntu for Android pre-installed. Talks with manufacturers and networks are ongoing, with more specific details to come later this year.

An exact release date isn't yet known, but it was hinted that Ubuntu for Android could arrive before the end of 2012.

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