Ubuntu for Phones

Ubuntu is the most popular linux distribution and is seen by many as a real alternative to Microsoft's Windows and Apple's OS X operating systems. In 2013 Ubuntu comes to smart phones to join the competitive mobile operating system market. Their promo video (below) looks really impressive and they are inviting developers to make their apps compatible with a mobile linux OS.

Ubuntu has grand aims, they are hoping to produce a single OS which can run desktop computers, TV's and smartphones, creating a truly unified experience. Ubuntu offer a lot to desktop users, including access to cloud based storage which is fully integrated into apps within the OS. And have I mentioned that the desktop version is essentially free! There is now a suggested donation but it is certainly cheaper the Windows or OS X.

The Ubuntu phone features interesting usability traits. The 'lock' screen does not require 'unlocking' as such, just swiping in various areas of the screens edge to access specific content on your device. The OS allows you to go full screen and enjoy the most of your photos, videos or web browsing experience. Would you consider trying a new mobile operating system? If it works well this may encourage increasing numbers of users to try this linux distribution on the desktop too.

More information Ubuntu's website www.ubuntu.com

Survey: How many Google apps?

If you use Google's extensive range of free services how long is it till you ask the question, should I get an Android device? If you are reading this on an Android device then I suggest you are convinced, but for iPhone users, or even non-smartphone users, an Android phone can be increasingly tempting.

Once Google is your main source of email it makes sense to move your master contacts list to GMail. With the ease of access through the website, mobile apps or browser extensions before long it's a convenient place to store almost everything, calendar, notes, and documents. All accessible on any computer through a browser and on your smartphone via apps. With an Android device all of these services are smoothly integrated into the system and sync so that you are always up to date.

The big question for non-Android users is, 'how many Google apps do I have to use before I switch to Android?'

The below survey should provide some insight into whether or not people are shifting from the iPhone and the Blackerry to Android powered smartphones.
 

Is Android ahead of iOS 6?

This video from Wicked4u2c on YouTube runs through a lot of the new iOS 6 features which will be coming to Apple's iPhone in the Autumn.  A lot of these features where met with rapturous applause at Apple's WWDC conference earlier this year, but how many are already included in Android's Ice Cream Sandwich operating system?

 

Comments welcome!

Wi-Fi on the Tube

As the Olympic's approach London's infrastructure will be tested. One area which will be particularly busy will be the London Underground. But at least you'll be able to spend that time emailing photos of the Olympics to friends and family using the stations free Wi-Fi from Virgin Media. The Wi-Fi is only going to be available during the Olympics so catch it quick.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Unpacking Event Teaser

Samsung will be showcasing their replacement for the Galaxy S2 smartphone at an event in London tomorrow. Engadget will be blogging live from the event for all the latest news. The highly anticipated handset release event even has it's own epic teaser trailer, just to build up the hype. The video is below.

iPad & 4G in the UK

The Advertising Standard's Authority are investigating Apple surrounding the advertisement of the new iPad, the BBC reports. The new hardware is capable of connecting to a multitude of wireless connections, Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G LTE. The most impressive of this list is the 4G technology. Apple distinguish their two versions of the iPad's connectivity options as:

1. iPad (Wi-Fi)
2. iPad (Wi-Fi + 4G)

However in the UK there are currently no 4G network providers, this is covered by a small note at the bottom of the page which lists networks operating a 4G service, and states which countries these operators are providing coverage to (USA and Canada). 

See the Apple store page yourself and feel free to comment below.

Google Drive

Google Drive is here... yes really! Google admit on their blogpost that Google Drive is about as rumoured as the Loch Ness monster, but it is finally here! With 5GB free storage, and up to 16GB with subscriptions, Google Drive is everything it was rumoured to be. It is fully integrated into Google Docs and works cross platform on all your devices.

Until now Microsoft's SkyDrive, Dropbox and Box.net have had the home and business markets covered for cloud storage, with many other companies offering increasing amounts of storage at various costs. The integration with existing accounts make it easy to apply for, although it's not quite available for everyone just yet. Google Drive will work with GMail in a similar way to SkyDrive and Hotmail.

Here is Google's video, explaining more.



To access Google Drive, click here.

Android Market becomes Google Play

Google have rebranded the Android Market as Google Play. The Android Market is similar to Apple's App Store and is a one stop shop on your Android powered mobile device to download applications such as games, utilities, news, weather, etc.

Google's rebrand brings the Android Market place into a larger store for Android powered devices. Google Play brings the addition of music, books and movies to Android powered smart phones and tablets. This puts Google Play firmly in the realms of competing with Apple's iTunes Store and iBooks store.

To upgrade to Google Play in your Android device simply visit the Android Market where you will be requested to accept the Terms and Conditions associated with Google Play. A cool feature of Google Play is the ability to purchase apps on a desktop and have the new app wirelessly pushed to your Android mobile device. This is much like Apple's iTunes in the Cloud feature of iCloud, but Google's requires no setting up to speak of.

Let is know what you think of Google Play by commenting below.