Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview released for latest Nexus devices

Ubuntu's move to join the mobile OS scene starts with the just-released Developer Preview.
(Credit: Ubuntu)

Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview has been made available for selected Google Nexus devices. The company behind the Linux-based operating system--Canonical--announced a touch-based version of Ubuntu that's meant for smartphones and tablets earlier this week, and it has delivered the goods. 

Instructions to flash your Nexus device with the Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview can be found at Ubuntu's Wiki page here. You'll need a PC with the desktop version of Ubuntu, and have a rudimentary knowledge of Linux commands (or be able to follow the instructions). All data on the Nexus device will be wiped during the process, though you can restore the device to its default Android OS using Google's factory image. 

The preview is only supported on the latest Nexus devices--the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones, along with both Nexus 7 and 10 tablets. Note that some versions of these devices may not be supported fully, such as the CDMA-compatible Galaxy Nexus (from Sprint and Verizon), and the 3G Nexus 7.

A big caveat before you proceed: The preview is not fully functional, and it's not intended for general use. It's being released so that developers can evaluate the platform, and hopefully for Canonical, write apps for it. 

Some of the key functions, such as the ability to make phone calls and SMS, and Wi-Fi support, are already working on the Developer Preview. Preloaded apps include the camera, browser, media player and a note-taking utility. Other sample apps that don't actually work: Calculator and Weather. The release notes, which goes into more detail, can be found here.

If you're headed to Mobile World Congress next week, and feeling adventurous, you can check out Canonical's booth, where there are staff who can help install the OS on your Nexus device.