Ubuntu, the open source developer backed by South African billionaire Mark Shuttleworth, have turned to crowdfunding to raise US$32 million by August 21 for its Ubuntu Edge project.
The smartphone is designed to double up as a desktop personal computer (PC) and will be the latest device to come out of Shuttleworth’s Canonical company, registered in the Isle of Man.
On the indiegogo crowdfunding page, the campaign writes it aims: “To provide a low-volume, high-technology platform, crowdfunded by enthusiasts and mobile computing professionals.
“A pioneering project that accelerates the adoption of new technologies and drives them down into the mainstream.”
More than US$3.5 million has been donated so far to the project, although it will receive nothing if the US$32 million target is not met by August 21.
The new smartphone becomes a desktop PC when a monitor is plugged into it and will be able to support the full Ubuntu desktop interface.
The device will be equipped with a multi-core central processing unit (CPU), 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage.
“All of the funding we receive goes directly towards producing the device for expected delivery in May 2014,” said Canonical.
HumanIPO reported last week MTN was the latest operator, and first from Africa, to join the Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group which will help steer its development.
