UPDATE: Ubuntu Edge SmartPhone And Desktop Looking For Funding

Ubuntu smartphone future is moving closer with funding appeal

We have seen technology shrink for a good many years. From the desktop computer to the laptop to the tablet. Add to that the smartphone which has increased in its value by embedding fantastic picture taking along with the ability to access the web. We have seen music and other thing merged into the smartphone and we all know that the computing power literally puts a computer into your hands. Ubuntu has been moving in that direction, along with others before them, such as the Motorola Atrix. The Ubuntu Edge will be their first smartphone coming to market.

The Unbuntu Edge is now a crowd-sourcing project on Indiegogo. And while the idea of that may not seem like much, consider that the goal is $32 million. That's right, $32 million. This is a record setting goal and if they achieve it, will be a fantastic achievement. But it is the goals for this which are attracting attention for so many. The Ubuntu smartphone is entering a very competitive smartphone market. That is a tough one to do and to help them in this effort, they are bringing the Ubuntu Edge as a smartphone that can also act as a desktop computer.

Sounds interesting. You could carry a single device and have everything that you need with you. You only have to add monitor, keyboard and mouse so that you now have a computer to do all your normal activities. And since the Ubuntu Edge can boot into either Android or Ubuntu (FireFox), you get your choice for the interface. All of this sounds very interesting and one that is going to be a challenge to accomplish.

While some have said they are not going to make the goal, as of today, they are closing in on the 25% mark with 24 days to go. So, it looks like they are going to get the money necessary to move into the production of the Ubuntu Edge with estimated delivery for contributors of May 2014. The really big challenge of making a smartphone with a great desktop interface will take much more work for the Ubuntu team.

This one is really worth following because if they are successful, they will be changing the direction of smartphones in the future.

UPDATE It seems that the Ubuntu Edge Smartphone is not going to meet the high expectations of $32 million which is a sad situation. They are currently under $10 million with 9 days remaining which would indicate they will fall short of the goals which were laid out. Give the fast start to the contributions, we are surprised that things dropped off so quickly after the first few days.