Canonical releases new version of Ubuntu Dual Boot

Canonical has released a new version of Ubuntu Dual Boot. Dual Boot allows Ubuntu to be installed alongside Android. The new release, which the makers call a “tech preview for developers”, offers a new update mechanism and sideloading of test images.

Not to be confused with the ‘frozen’ Ubuntu for Android project, the Ubuntu Dual Boot project offers the option of booting to a normal Android gui or to a touch-friendly Ubuntu environment on a compatible smartphone or tablet of your choice . Originally, Ubuntu Dual Boot was a hobby project, but as the implementation progressed, the Canonical developers decided to share the project with the community. Canonical currently supports test versions of Ubuntu Dual Boot on Nexus 4 smartphones, but the Nexus 7 and 10 would also work.

The new release of Ubuntu Dual Boot mainly offers improved upgradeability for future versions, making the development of this Ubuntu version easier. For example, updates can now be downloaded within the Ubuntu environment on a smartphone. This process is the same as with the desktop version of Ubuntu. To install an update, however, you still have to boot to Android.

Within Android, Ubuntu Dual Boot users will now also receive a notification when an available update is available. The notification also shows the installation process. Furthermore, support for sideloading has been added, so that an update can be installed on a smartphone via, for example, a laptop. Finally, developers can add their own update servers, making it easier to install Ubuntu Dual Boot on other Android mobile devices.