The Ubuntu phone might be a reality, but it is seriously disappointing. Tech Republic took the BQ Aquaris E5 Ubuntu phone for a spin and they struggled to find something good to say. The Ubuntu phone was supposed to allow docking of the device for use on an external monitor, yet be a great smartphone too. Unfortunately, the phone has a long way to go.
TechRepublic says,
With Apple and Android so far out in the lead in the smartphone market, I'm not sure why there is a need for an Ubuntu phone. They will surely improve it, but they've got a long, long way to go.
TechRepublic says,
I finally received an Ubuntu Edition Phone. I had been anticipating it for years… holding my breath on just about every announcement that the platform was ready for prime time. In teaser videos, it looked like the perfect mobile interface… one forged in logic and reason, with a UI that anyone—regardless of experience—could enjoy.
Unfortunately, that bit of fiction never made it into the land of reality.
After experiencing this platform for the first time, I would be thrilled to at least tell you my reaction was a hearty “meh.” The unfortunate reality is that my first blush reaction to the Ubuntu Phone is “ugh!” That reaction sets aside the following facts about the BQ Aquaris E5:
The hardware is laggy and slow at best
When you’re prompted to install an app (such as the Google Calendar app), you’re directed to the Google Play Store and not an Ubuntu-specific app store
There are critically few apps actually available in the Ubuntu Store
Scopes are really little more than glorified short cuts to mobile web pages
In fact, as I used the device, I desperately tried to find something positive to say about the Ubuntu Touch interface. In the end, the only positive thing I can say is that Canonical did manage to find a company to ship its platform.
Unfortunately, that bit of fiction never made it into the land of reality.
After experiencing this platform for the first time, I would be thrilled to at least tell you my reaction was a hearty “meh.” The unfortunate reality is that my first blush reaction to the Ubuntu Phone is “ugh!” That reaction sets aside the following facts about the BQ Aquaris E5:
In fact, as I used the device, I desperately tried to find something positive to say about the Ubuntu Touch interface. In the end, the only positive thing I can say is that Canonical did manage to find a company to ship its platform.
With Apple and Android so far out in the lead in the smartphone market, I'm not sure why there is a need for an Ubuntu phone. They will surely improve it, but they've got a long, long way to go.