News - Ubuntu Edge smartphone breaks crowdfunding records

[HEXUS]

Raising $10.7 million, however it has only until 21st August to achieve its goal of $32 million.

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[Output]

So the question is, does the record really count if they don't achieve their target (as they obviously will not receive any funds unless it is achieved)?

[AETAaAS]

So the question is, does the record really count if they don't achieve their target (as they obviously will not receive any funds unless it is achieved)?

I'm pretty sure they will get there. IIRC, they had some big American telcom backers like Verizon and T-Mobile.

[Ksyruz]

Though they are not bringing their phone to the market they should get Samsung to build a version and get Google to incorporate this feature into the android for next generation of phones. This feature plus a wireless leap motion controller with a laser keyboard can allow for use on TV's with hdmi anywhere. Also with Google's glasses and voice commands the system can literally replace laptops and ultrabooks.

[Mowgli]

Android breaks the deal for me.

[Mermoden]

The phone looks amazing.
I would be interested in seeing how the Desktop OS works on it !

[crossy]

Android breaks the deal for me.

You've misread the information - it says that the Ubuntu phone will run Android, not that it does. Check out 6:20 onwards on the video available at http://www.ubuntu.com/phone. In fact, one of the links available from that main page (http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/operators-and-oems) seems to imply that the phone desktop is in fact a cut down version of desktop Ubuntu.

Watched the Shuttleworth video and looked at the specs and I've got to say that I'm impressed with the way that it all hangs together. Seems to have all the advantages of the FirefoxOS but with additional goodies and little in the way of drawbacks (apart from the usual one with a new mobile OS - namely poor software support).

I really, really hope this does well - heck, it might even persuade me to leave Android. That said, how many promising Linux-based handsets (Android doesn't count) have there been in the past that have broken a leg at the first hurdle...

[Ross1]

So the question is, does the record really count if they don't achieve their target (as they obviously will not receive any funds unless it is achieved)?

I'm pretty sure they will get there. IIRC, they had some big American telcom backers like Verizon and T-Mobile.

Its almost certain they will miss the target by more than anyone has ever raised in an indiegogo/kickstarter project (including this one)

[Spud1]

It's a shame that they won't make it - I have backed one, its the first potential device (h/w + OS) that tempts me away from iOS..its something geeky and useful that isn't Android, which is a major plus.

The cynical side of me says that this is just one big marketing ploy and that we'll see a Ubuntu phone released by someone else in the next 12 months, and that it will sell like crazy partly though this kind of free publicity.

I just hope it's not Samsung..or that if it is, they stick to the gorgeous angular renders that this team have on their site and down turn it into a girly, rounded/soft device like all of Samsung's recent phones

[crossy]

It's a shame that they won't make it - I have backed one, its the first potential device (h/w + OS) that tempts me away from iOS..its something geeky and useful that isn't Android, which is a major plus.

The cynical side of me says that this is just one big marketing ploy and that we'll see a Ubuntu phone released by someone else in the next 12 months, and that it will sell like crazy partly though this kind of free publicity.

I just hope it's not Samsung..or that if it is, they stick to the gorgeous angular renders that this team have on their site and down turn it into a girly, rounded/soft device like all of Samsung's recent phones

Going to agree with most of what you're saying ... apart from that last bit. Angular phones = effin uncomfortable to hold. Otherwise why aren't Sony selling a shedload?

Switching to Saracen mode - wonder how invasive these phones are - big annoyance for a lot of folks (not me though) is that a lot of data goes back to Google on Android phones when/if you use the Google apps. I know Canonical got serious slagging about "placements" in Ubuntu desktop, but will the Ubuntu phone be "callin' home to Mr Shuttleworth" when you use it? If so, then I'm guessing that feature is going to get disabled pretty quickly.

I've decided that I want one of these to replace my current dumbphone for work. Especially if I can persuade the work to give me a data allowance.

[wilkie5211]

i think this would be the smartphone for company and would sell very well in the consumer market i myself would buy the device.

[Spud1]

Going to agree with most of what you're saying ... apart from that last bit. Angular phones = effin uncomfortable to hold. Otherwise why aren't Sony selling a shedload?

It's each to their own - not a fan of the sony looks either tbh, I personally want an all metal/glass device that isn't rounded at every opportunity. Never been a fan of the Samsung look (apart from their high end TVs, they step the design quality up a notch then!)

I'd consider my iPhone 4 and 5 as angular phones much more so than any of the galaxy range.

[crossy]

It's each to their own - not a fan of the sony looks either tbh, I personally want an all metal/glass device that isn't rounded at every opportunity. Never been a fan of the Samsung look (apart from their high end TVs, they step the design quality up a notch then!)
I'd consider my iPhone 4 and 5 as angular phones much more so than any of the galaxy range.

Aye, the S3/S4 are a bit too overtly "designed" for my taste too. Can't understand why Sony went for the "slab" look because their earlier Android phones - especially the Arc/ArcS - were a feast for the eyes.

[tooCoded]

This is going to be BIG!

[mikolaj87]

This is going to be BIG!

Don't think so. Only tech guys will consider buying this. People are now lazy and used to android and ios. Saddly I believe that ubuntu may fail.

[loyal986]

Good phone and good operating system. But dumb goal, why 30 milin and what if you dont achieve 30 milion but lets say 25 or 29. Than all that for nothing. pfff