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The UBports Foundation has announced the availability for public testing of the upcoming Ubuntu Touch OTA-13 software update for their Ubuntu-based mobile operating system using the Lomiri (Unity 8) interface.
It’s been 4 months since OTA-12 arrived with the Lomiri (Unity 8) interface, which introduced new functionality and interaction models, including the Application Drawer. Lomiri is a continuation of the Unity 8 UI developed by Canonical for its Ubuntu operating system to provide convergence.
But enough history and let’s have a look into the future, as Ubuntu Touch OTA-13 promises to be yet another hefty update for Linux phone users. Two major features are present in the upcoming release, ARM64 and Halium 7 support.
What this means for the end user? Well, both combined will bring UBports’ Ubuntu Touch mobile OS to no less than 11 new devices in a stable form. If these devices were partially supported before, now they’re ready for production use.
“With ARM64 support we will now have stable releases for a host of new devices (11 new devices to be exact!),” said the UBports Foundation. “This is also thanks to the new Halium 7 support.”
But that’s not all, because Ubuntu Touch OTA-13 promises to support even more devices thanks to the many improvements brought to the Halium 8+ Android compatibility layer and Mainline devices.
On top of that, Ubuntu Touch OTA-13 will also bring lots of performance improvements and UX fixes, which means that your Linux phone will probably perform much better than before. But more on that will be revealed on September 21st when the final release hits the streets.
Until then, UBports Foundation needs your help to test drive the upcoming release. So, if you have a Linux phone and want to help with the testing, follow the next instructions to install the Release Candidate version of OTA-13.
First, you will need to update your device and all installed apps. For that you must to go to System Settings > Updates and apply all available updates. Then, you need to change the release channel from “Stable” to “Release Candidate.” To do that, go to System Settings > Updates > Update Settings > Release Channel and select “Release Candidate.”
Finally, to install the OTA-13 Release Candidate, go back to System Settings > Updates where you can download and install the update. Your phone will be rebooted automatically during installation.
UBports needs help with these issues. To submit your feedback, visit the OTA-13 call for testing forum thread.
Update 04/09/20: UBports has delayed the OTA-13 update for September 9th. The article has been updated accordingly.
Update 09/09/20: UBports has delayed the OTA-13 update for a second time. The final release is now expected on September 16th. The article has been updated accordingly.
Update 16/09/20: UBports has delayed the OTA-13 update for a third time. The final release is now expected on September 21st. The article has been updated accordingly.
Image: PINE64/UBports
Last updated 4 years ago
