It is official. The first smartphones running Ubuntu for Phones OS are almost here. BQ is the vendor and they will launch the Ubuntu edition of their popular mid-range smartphone, Aquaris E4.5, across Europe in the coming weeks.
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| image above does not represent the actual Ubuntu Phone eventhough the hardware used is the same |
According to this press release, "the world’s first Ubuntu powered smartphone - the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition - will be available across Europe from BQ.com through a series of Flash Sales over the coming weeks. The BQ Ubuntu smartphone, which puts content at the heart of the experience, is the perfect balance between price and specifications and will cost 169.90 Euros."
Jane Silber, CEO at Canonical comments; "The launch of the first Ubuntu smartphones is a significant milestone. The new experience we deliver for users, as well as the opportunities for differentiation for manufacturers and operators, are a compelling and much-needed change from what is available today. We’re excited that a rising star like BQ has recognised this opportunity and is helping us make it a reality."
Alberto Mendez, CEO at BQ comments; "Ubuntu is a totally different concept in mobile operating systems and we are proud of the fact that our customers will get to enjoy it before anyone else in the world. At BQ we support diversity in operating systems because it brings positive benefits for the technology sector and also for the user, who has the freedom to choose."
The sleek, 8GB Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition comes in black. It features a 5 megapixel front camera and 8 megapixel rear camera with autofocus, dual flash and full HD video capture. The rear camera is also equipped with high-quality BSI sensors and a Largan lens. It features a MediaTek Quad Core Cortex A7 processor running at up to 1.3 GHz and 1GB RAM.
Are you as excited as I'm? Ubuntu Phone OS looks absolutely beautiful. And I would love to grab one as and when it is available. Stay tuned for updates.