Canonical - Ubuntu's parent company - has finally unveiled a tablet running the Linux based operating system, Ubuntu. The operating system has been adapted to suit a tablet device but at the core it is the fully fledged software that desktop Ubuntu users are familiar with. The main benefit of the tablet running an non-stripped down version of Ubuntu is that it inherits the same security and updates that desktop users get.
The BQ Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition is the first fully converged Ubuntu device, meaning that it can provide a tablet experience or a full Ubuntu desktop experience when connected with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, or when using the micro HDMI port to connect to an external monitor.
The specifications of the device are:
- 10.1 inch multi-touch screen
- MediaTek Quad Core MT8163A processor up to 1.5GHz
- High capacity Li-Po battery (7280mAh)
- Full HD (1080p) camera for super-sharp video recording
- 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory
- MicroSD slot for extra storage (up to 64GB)
- 12 megapixel camera with autofocus and dual flash
- Frontal speakers
- Micro HDMI slot
- Dimensions: 246 x 171 x 8.2mm
- Lightweight at only 470g
In its press release, Canonical notes that third party developers can create Ubuntu applications which run across all Ubuntu interfaces using the Ubuntu SDK. No special alterations need to be made to the app as the exact same code can run across all Ubuntu-based devices and adapt accordingly based on formfactor.
Although not specifically related to the news about the new BQ Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition tablet, Canonical did specify the approximate number of users running Ubuntu worldwide. Not too long ago, it was reported that Ubuntu probably didn't reach 200 million users which it predicted it would have by the end of 2015. Now, Canonical has confirmed that the Ubuntu desktop system (does not include server, phone, or tablet installs/users) is used by "over 30 million users worldwide", giving us a good indication that the total amount of desktop users is below 40 million.
BQ's Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition tablet will be available for purchase in Q2 2016 via BQ's online store.
Source: Ubuntu Insights | Image via Ubuntu
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