Ubuntu in ARM-based devices
09 December 2008
Cortex-A8
ARM and Canonical to bring full Ubuntu desktop experience to low-power ARM-based computing devices.
ARM and Canonical, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu, have announced that it will bring the full Ubuntu Desktop operating system to the ARMv7 processor architecture to address demand from device manufacturers.
The addition of the new operating system will enable new netbooks and hybrid computers, targeting energy-efficient ARM technology-based SoCs, to deliver a rich, always-connected, mobile computing experience, without compromising battery life.
The combination of a commercially supported, optimised Ubuntu distribution for ARM, together with Canonical’s ability to tailor products to specific ARM technology-based devices and OEM requirements, ensures that highly-optimised systems can be rapidly deployed into the fast growing mobile computing market.
“The release of a full Ubuntu desktop distribution supporting latest ARM technology will enable rapid growth, with Internet everywhere, connected ultra portable devices,” said Ian Drew, Vice President of Marketing at ARM. “The always-on experience available with mobile devices is rapidly expanding to new device categories such as netbooks, laptops and other Internet connected products. Working with Canonical will pave the way for the development of new features and innovations to all connected platforms,” he added.
Canonical Ltd, the commercial sponsor of Ubuntu, is a global organisation that was launched in October 2004 and has since become one of the highly regarded Linux distributions with millions of worldwide users.
“This is a natural development for Ubuntu, driven by the demand from manufacturers for an ARM technology-based version,” said Jane Silber, COO of Canonical. “Joining the considerable community of free software developers working on the ARM platform ensures that a fully-functional, optimised Ubuntu distribution is available to the ARM ecosystem, providing wider choice for consumers looking for the best operating system for their digital lifestyles,” said Silber.
This version of the Ubuntu Desktop operating system will target the ARMv7 architecture including ARM Cortex-A8 and Cortex-A9 processor-based systems. Canonical’s support of a full ARM distribution will strengthen the ARM Linux ecosystem and widen the opportunity to leverage ARM technology into fast-growing markets. This partnership highlights ARM and Canonical’s support for open source initiatives and leverages contributions from key open source communities including Linux kernel, Debian, GNOME, and Mozilla communities. The Ubuntu ARM distribution for desktops and netbooks will be officially available from April 2009.
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