Phandroid
HTC One Developer Edition receiving Android 4.3 this week, carrier models will have to wait
Back in August, HTC’s US President Jason Mackenzie let everyone know his company was working hard to deliver the Android 4.3 firmware update to the HTC One in both the US and Canada before the end of September. As we near the end of the month, the clock is ticking and Mackenzie is back on Twitter with a quick status update.
Turns out the timetable has been slightly tweaked, with 4.3 now said to hit only HTC One Developer Editions in the US — no carrier models. Mackenzie does mention that HTC Ones in Canada can look forward to an Android 4.3 update next month, unfortunately there was no schedule on 4.3 for carrier banded models in the US (typical). However, he did assure tweeters that HTC is working “full speed” to obtain US carrier certification. Gotta love that carrier middleman (one of the reason I opted for the HTC One Developer Edition and not the carrier model).
It was only a few weeks ago we saw Android 4.3 for the AT&T HTC One leak out online, so we don’t imagine it will be too much longer. HTC DROID DNA owners might have noticed that the device seems to have been left out of today’s news, but we’re sure HTC’s will update us on their plans for the DNA — as well as carrier models — in the coming weeks.
[Twitter]
Ubuntu Touch OS launching Oct. 17, ready for supported Android devices
The Ubuntu Edge didn’t reach its Indiegogo funding goal, meaning it will not come to market. This doesn’t mean that Canonical is ready to give up on Ubuntu Touch OS, though! In fact, Ubuntu Touch is almost ready for release and has announced a launch date – October 17.
Canonical’s amazing phone will probably never see the light of day, but you will be able to flash it into your compatible devices. We doubt we will be able to make it dual-boot (like the Ubuntu Edge was said to), so why exactly would us Android fans ever want to get rid of our favorite mobile OS for Ubuntu Touch OS?
What makes Ubuntu Touch OS awesome?
The Ubuntu Touch OS is pretty much a simplified version of the desktop Ubuntu OS. One fit for the smaller screen. This gives Ubuntu Touch awesome capabilities, but my favorite happens to be dock mode with a monitor.
This bad boy can run full desktop Ubuntu when connected to a monitor (or TV, for that matter). You can carry your desktop computer in your pocket. Just imagine the possibilities!
How can I get Ubuntu Touch OS?
Because the Ubuntu Edge won’t make it to the market, you will have to flash it manually. At least until/if Ubuntu gets a smartphone partner or releases a device.
Ubuntu Touch OS image version 1.0 will be released October 17. You will be able to download it and simply install it then. Of course, you need a supported device. The official list of supported devices upon release is not out, but Canonical has a good list of supported beta devices.
This includes the Nexus 4, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. Pretty much, if you have a Nexus device you should be set. Maybe they (or other devs) will be able to figure make this compatible with other popular smartphones from Samsung, HTC and company. We will have to wait and see.
Do you want to check out Ubuntu Touch OS?
I have been excited about Ubuntu Touch since I first heard of it. The promise of a device that really blends the line between mobile and desktop computing really amazes me. One thing is for certain, though. I am not willing to give Android up. At least not for Ubuntu Touch OS.
We are not sure how many of you would like to check it out, though. We are sure flashing Ubuntu Touch OS will void your warranty, so we can’t see too many users signing up. What do you think? Will Canonical’s mobile OS take off? Do you want to test it?
Android is 5 years old today, and it sure doesn’t feel like it
If you were to randomly wake me up one day and tell me that today is Android’s (and the T-Mobile G1 that held the honors of being the very first Android device) 5th birthday, I’d ask you to slap me and call me silly. Has it really only been 5 years?
It felt so long ago that we were all huddled around our computers, wondering when the illustrious Cupcake (pictured right) and Donut updates would bring us magical new features like widgets, on-screen keyboards and voice controls. A lot has changed, folks, and Android is no longer an infant.
It’s grown into a fine, stable and beautiful mobile operating system that is used to power not just phones, but tablets, set-top boxes, watches, televisions, cars, cameras, home appliances and more. It’s everywhere and on everything, and it came that far in just 5 years.
We’re not sure if Android could have ever grown into the powerhouse it is today without Google, the company that took a chance on Andy Rubin’s big dream. While the original godfather of Android is no longer with that particular team, we’ll never forget his contribution to the mobile world. It was just as big as his stint at Danger (Sidekick) was, and whatever else he’s working on will likely have a fair shot at reaching those same heights.
Android is still striving without Rubin, though. It’s because of its maturation that Rubin was finally able to let go of the reigns and let the awesome team that has been built around Android continue the movement. It started with one device, and now has been activated on more than a billion worldwide (and that number is growing every single day). Here’s to many, many more.
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