Ubuntu is coming to Nexus phones on February 21.
Software developer Canonical announced on Friday that images and open source code will be released next week. Ubuntu first announced the upcoming Linux-based mobile OS in early January.
"Our platform supports a wide range of screen sizes and resolutions. Developers who have experience bringing up phone environments will find it relatively easy to port Ubuntu to current handsets," Pat McGowan of Canonical said in a statement. "We look forward to adding support for additional devices for everyday testing and experimentation." Canonical is targeting entry-level smartphones and the enterprise market with the operating system.
"We expect Ubuntu to be popular in the enterprise market, enabling customers to provision a single secure device for all PC,thin client and phone functions," said CEO Jane Silber in a statement in January. "Ubuntu is already the most widely used Linux enterprise desktop, with customers in a wide range of sectors focused on security, cost and manageability."
Of course, this is more of a test run than an actual release. According to PC Mag, Ubuntu hopes that allowing developers to test the Touch Developer Preview of Ubuntu will allow them to become acquainted with the OS and begin to build apps. Ubuntu is also releasing a guide for developers who want to make apps for the software.
Canonical said the mobile OS will be available at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Feb 25-28. Convention visitors will be able to flash (switch) their Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 phones to the preview OS at the Ubuntu booth (booth number 81D30, App Planet Hall 8.1).
"This release marks the threshold of wider engagement - both with industry and community," said Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth. "For developers, contributors and partners, there is now a coherent experience that warrants attention. The cleanest, most stylish mobile interface around."
In January, Canonical released a "virtual keynote" video discussing the new OS.
