14 DAY TRIAL // Everyone is talking about Ubuntu Touch on Meizu phones and that will happen in the next few months, but other less conventional hardware makers might be interested in the Ubuntu experience. At least, this is what the newly formed company Vsenn says it wants.
Vsenn was started by a former Nokia X product manager, who chose to remain anonymous so far. The company is planning to develop a new modular smartphone with some impressive specs and it looks like they are considering offering a number of different operating systems, like Android, Sailfish, and Ubuntu Touch. This is not the first phone that would get Ubuntu Touch, without the direct implication of the Ubuntu devs and it won't be the last.
So, what makes this phone interesting? Apparently, the guys at Vsenn are building a modular phone, like the one in the Google Ara concepts. Users will be able to change and upgrade the battery, the processor, and the camera.
This would allow users to improve their current phone, with a small upgrade that would eventually cost less than a new device. It sounds good in theory, but there are some good reasons why these kind of devices are not yet available. There are some important hurdles to overcome, but it's good to know that Ubuntu Touch is on the radar.
Ubuntu Touch on a modular phone would be awesome
Modular phones are definitely coming and they will be here, hopefully in 2015. Right now they are outside the normal development curve and it will be a while until big companies will begin producing them. In the meantime, smaller hardware makers will take this step and Ubuntu Touch could be ahead of the curve.
"Bringing multiple OS support is something that the online community has been asking us to do, and so, we deliver. We have extended and detailed the ARP program benefits to communities that wish to port and develop roms based on other operating systems. Vsenn will officially support and help in the development process all the ARP program members. On our social channels, people can voice their favourite OS choices to be part of the ARP program."
"We believe that technology exists for the sole purpose of making our life easier and better. Being good listeners, we will always keep improving to deliver exactly what the market expects from us. Your opinion, ideas and wishes are our compass, because there is no Vsenn without you," read the official website (via omgubuntu.co.uk) .
The ARP is actually the Approved ROM Partner Program. ROM built under this program should be easy to install and configure, without the user breaking the warranty and factory support.
For now, there is little information about the device itself, with the exception of the desired display size, 4.7 inches, and the resolution, which should be HD with 468 DPI.
Vsenn is only asking for opinions, but once that modular phone hits the market, the developers will most likely port Ubuntu Touch for it.
