The Ubuntu phone might not be interested in releasing any versions yet (for all we know) but other companies sure are kin on bringing a full-fledged Linux experience to the smartphone market and the chief contender is KDE Plasma Mobile.
KDE (with its GUI named Plasma), is known to be among the most popular desktop environments for Linux, and having existed for 20 years now, KDE is set to expand their horizon by providing a user experience for tablet and smartphone users. In fact,
The KDE Plasma Mobile
KDE’s plan is reportedly to create a device that has a truly customizable UI ‘built with modularity from the ground up’ and is strict on user privacy. In fact, the plan is to provide you with a smartphone that is a “fully open hacking device, just like a PC.”
In its vision statement, KDE said that:
“Plasma Mobile aims to become a complete software system for mobile devices. It is designed to give privacy-aware users back the full-control over their information and communication. Plasma Mobile takes a pragmatic approach and is inclusive to 3rd party software, allowing the user to choose which applications and services to use. It provides a seamless experience across multiple devices. Plasma Mobile implements open standards and it is developed in a transparent process that is open for the community to participate in”.
ROMS
Plasma Mobile plans to offer a ROM that is both hackable and easily flashable for the most popular Android phones out there. It will be able to dual-boot with Android and run on both ARM and Intel-based devices.
Plasma Mobile uses a certified (tried-and-tested) software stack including: KWin, Ofono, Pulseaudio, Telepathy, Voicecall, and Wayland.
Applications
KDE Mobile’s Developers have plans to provide users with the ability to access and install an array of applications and extensions, including native Plasma apps and widgets, web apps, and some Ubuntu phone apps.
There is also a plan to support native Sailfish and Nemo apps.
That’s not all folks – users will be at liberty to install and run regular Qt. GTK and X11-based applications (via XWayland) on the OS – all in order to support a real “Phone as PC” experience on the Plasma Mobile.
Watch the video below to see the smartphone in action.
How Can You Get Involved?
Plasma Mobile Currently has support for OnePlus One, the Nexus 5, and all Intel-based devices.
Remember that the Plasma Mobile is not aimed at end users, and since it is still under development it will have many limitations.
All it can do right now is perform the essential tasks a simple phone can; make calls, send texts and take photographs. It has a handful of apps available too.
If you would like to get more info on the Plasma Mobile then head over to its official website and you can check out the KDE Plasma Mobile forums if you would like to get involved in porting, developing and shaping the Operating System.
