Canonical releases new version Ubuntu Dual Boot

Canonical has released a new version of Ubuntu Dual Boot. With Dual Boot, Ubuntu can 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. . Originally, Ubuntu Dual Boot was a hobby project, but as implementation progress has been made, the Canonical developers decided to share the project with the community. Canonical currently supports the test versions of Ubuntu Dual Boot on Nexus 4 smartphones, but the Nexus 7 and 10 should also work.

Most importantly, the new release of Ubuntu Dual Boot provides improved upgradeability for future versions, making the development of this Ubuntu version easier. For example, updates within the Ubuntu environment can now be downloaded on a smartphone. This process is similar to the desktop version of Ubuntu. However, to install an update, 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.