Ever thought of turning your Android Phone into a computer? Just think that you come to your desk, put your android phone in a dock which is connected to your monitor, keyboard and mouse and whew, your phone turns into a full fledged computer!

Seems interesting? Now this is going to be true with Ubuntu for Android. When on move, your phone runs Android; connect to the monitor, keyboard and mouse; and it becomes a computer.

If you don’t already know; Ubuntu is a completely free and one of the fastest growing operating systems in the world. It is amazingly fast, visually cool and extremely easy to use. So next time; before you buy a PC, ask yourself a question – Do you really need one now?

This innovative concept was displayed in Mobile World Congress in January this year by Canonical and has sparked a ripple in the smart phone manufacturers and the people who are using Android Phones and Tablets. And you don’t need to wait any longer; it is expected to come preloaded on several phones in next few months. If you have a high end android phone already; you will be able to install Ubuntu on it.

So, what’s the benefit? I know you already like the idea of having your PC in your pocket! But apart from that you get the power to run the standard application for PC such as Firefox, OpenOffice, VLC, Thunderbird, etc. And the coolest thing is that you get the installed android apps too on your desktop. And while you are working on your Desktop, you can directly make and receive calls and SMS without switching back to android. This is because both Ubuntu and Android shares the same kernel and don’t require reboot for switching. This also makes it possible to have the common contacts, calendar and social networking services between Ubuntu and Android. The concept is simple – you get the full flexibility to carry out both your mobile and PC functions seamlessly. And as a bonus, if you connect it with your HDTV, you get Ubuntu TV experience as well.

Ubuntu for Android – System Requirements

So much features! But will it work on ALL the android devices? Well, here is the list of minimum system requirements for your android device to work with Ubuntu.

  • Dual-Core 1 GHz Processor
  • GPU for video acceleration
  • 2 GB free space for the Ubuntu Operating System
  • 512 MB RAM
  • HDMI
  • USB host mode

If you see the list above, there is nothing very demanding. Except Dual-core and HDMI requirements, all other specifications are common even in low end Android devices. HDMI is required to connect your monitors and USB will be used to attach keyboard and mouse for true desktop experience. In coming days, the dual or higher core processors will be quite common with smart phones. The minimum supported version of Android is 2.3 (Gingerbread).

Even if it takes a few bucks extra to get a high end smart phone which fulfills above requirements; it will be worth because you are getting the functionality of a full PC along with smart phone.

Some people may ask – why not use android directly as standard operating system for desktop? After all, if I connect my monitor, keyboard and mouse with my android device, it will work fine.

That’s right, it will work. But the problem is Android has never been intended to be the operating system for desktop. It has always been a great mobile OS with touch interface and not suitable for pointer driven experience. Ubuntu on other hand is a very successful operating system with over 20 millions people using it across the globe. There are thousands of free applications available which can fulfill all your computing and gaming requirements.

How much is the waiting time?

Not much. At first, Ubuntu for Android will be available for Google Nexus Phone which is expected by Month end. The code will be released as a file which needs to be installed on phone. For other devices, the waiting time can be next two to three months.

“We are defining a new era of convergence in technology, with one unified operating system that underpins cloud computing, data centers, PCs and consumer electronics” said Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu and VP Products at Canonical.

Can’t wait for Ubuntu on your Android Phone?

Well, for the Ubuntu lovers, here is cool live wallpaper which will give your phone the similar LOOK. The live wallpaper has a clock smack in the middle of the screen with subtle pulsing circles behind it just as in Ubuntu for Android. Go grab it from Google Play Store.

I am crossing my fingers and eagerly waiting for it. If you are like me, just stay tuned and I will update you about all interesting things related to Ubuntu for Android!