Ubuntu smartphone gets improved browser and development tools

The Ubuntu smartphone from manufacturer BQ is getting a major software update. This includes an improved browser with more privacy features. The development tools for the mobile version of Ubuntu have also been improved: they are now based on Qt 5.4.

The update is coming over-the-air to owners of the BQ Aquaris E4.5. Software maker Canonical has outlined the changes that the software brings on its website. Most of the new features are in the browser. This will include improved privacy settings. There is also a private browsing mode and the scrolling should be smoother. There are also improvements to the contact list and support for group chat in the built-in messaging application.

Canonical also comes with a new version of ToolKit, which has meanwhile reached version 1.3. The developer kit for software developers in the new version is based on Qt 5.4 and has several new features. Among other things, it should improve the performance of applications. Developers will also be given the option to use OpenGL ES 3.0 and 3.1.

The Aquaris E4.5 from BQ is the first smartphone to run on the mobile version of Ubuntu. The device came out in February and has recently been for sale online for everyone. A price of almost 170 euros is asked for it. For this, the buyer will receive a smartphone with a 4.5″ screen and a resolution of 960×540 pixels. In the housing, a MediaTek soc does its job with four Cortex A7 cores at a clock speed of 1.3GHz.