Meizu unveils the Pro 5 Ubuntu Edition, an Ubuntu-powered phone that’s no slouch

[Wireless News]

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Vu__G46IzTc.3UoePxUtWA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9ODY7cT03NTt3PT EzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/digital_trends_973/781276ea150caba0c76fdbc33ad139df (http://news.yahoo.com/meizu-unveils-pro-5-ubuntu-212356420.html)Despite the relatively slow uptake of Canonical’s-Ubuntu mobile, the phone-tailored-version-of its desktop Linux software,-Meizu appears confidently committed to the nascent-operating system. After debuting-the sleek and beautiful MX4 this past-August, the company’s back with a handset to showcase the newest version of Ubuntu for phones: the Meizu Pro 5 Ubuntu Edition. If the smartphone’s design seems conspicuously-familiar (and if the-“Ubuntu Edition” moniker-didn’t give it away), that’s because it isn’t new.-Rather, it, much like the MX4 before it, is a rebranded variant-of one of Meizu’s Android-powered phones — the Pro 5. Related:- Ubuntu’s second phone adds an HD screen and a 13-megapixel camera Unlike the decidedly mid-range MX4 before it, though, the Pro 5 features top-end hardware. It’s got-a 5.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display, Samsung’s octa-core Exynos 7420 chip, 3GB or 4GB of RAM (depending on configuration), and 32GB/64GB of storage. Rounding out the Pro 5’s-internal accouterments-is-a Sony-21-megapixel-and 5-megapixel sensor for the front and rear, respectively, a 3,050mAh battery, and a fingerprint reader. On the software side, the latest Ubuntu mobile’s been upgraded in a-major respect: Scopes, the pared-down search application that supports social media, calendar, message, weather, and call feeds-accessible from the Ubuntu home screen, now also supports the-“liking” and “favoriting” of items. Separately, new-apps have joined the Ubuntu ecosystem: Spotify recently launched a client, as did games platform Play Canvas. The new additions don’t quite put Ubuntu mobile’s app offering on an equal footing with-Android and iOS — its-app store still lacks first-party clients from familiar services-like Whatsapp and Google Maps — but the situation’s nonetheless improving. Unfortunately, the Pro 5 doesn’t support what’s arguably Ubuntu mobile’s headlining feature: the ability to transform any old monitor into a fully-featured Ubuntu desktop with nothing more than a dock and display cable (think Windows 10’s Continuity). It’s already-built into the latest generation of Ubuntu mobile-tablets — BQ’s M10 supports it — but-Canonical says that phone support will require newer, as-yet unannounced devices. Related: Finally — Ubuntu’s first phone is coming to Europe If nothing else, the launch of the-Pro 5 Ubuntu Edition is a sign that Canonical’s Ubuntu mobile initiative is alive and kicking. This year will be the first time that Ubuntu-powered phones will be available for purchase in brick-and-mortar stores, and Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth and CEO Jane Silber say-the company’s pleased with the progress it’s seen. The Pro 5 will be available for pre-order during the Mobile World Congress next week, and will ship globally. Pricing has yet to be announced, but given the beefy hardware, you can bet it’ll be a good deal higher than, say, the $319 MX4, the-$219 BQ E5 HD Ubuntu Edition, or the dirt cheap Aquaris E4.5 UE. Also watch: Meizu MX4 with Ubuntu Please enable Javascript to watch this video



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