Company hopes to transform your smartphone into a...

Company hopes to transform your smartphone into a desktop computer.

Software company Canonical is working to develop a system that allows your smartphone to be docked with a keyboard and monitor, allowing your phone to act as the computer.

Because the Android OS is based on the open-source Linux system, Canonical’s “Ubuntu for Android” is able to tap into that underlying software, and run an Ubuntu Linux system straight from your phone. Rather than operating as an App, the system will sit dormant in a phone until it is docked, when it will spring into life. The company says that because it is based on the software already running your phone, it should be unnoticeable in terms of speed and memory usage when you are normally using your phone.

The best part is that all data and services can be shared between the two operating systems, so all of the contacts, files, and photos etc can be accessed and updated either on the phone, or through the Ubuntu interface.

“The desktop is the killer app for quad-core phones in 2012,” said Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth in the Canonical announcement. “Ubuntu for Android transforms your high-end phone into your productive desktop, whenever you need it.”

The company is now working with manufacturers to have the system built in to new phones, and will be showing it off at the Mobile World Congress next week. MWC is sure to see the announcement of many other new handsets and innovations, so be sure to bookmark 8 Bit Future for the updates next week.

pcworld.com