Other distros on the handset
I love the vision of device convergence, and the possibility of having open OSes take a more prominent role in the computing world. I also love the enormous options using Linux affords me.
So, as you build Ubuntu for phones, what is your vision for hackability? Do you expect other distributions will able to take your technology and build something similar on top of it? For example, a couple years down the road do you think we could see things like Debian Phone and Arch Linux for Android?

[–]delta_epsilon_zeta
Just to save Mark some time, here's a quote from the Indiegogo page:
This is an Open Device, so users can tinker with the software and use standard flashing tools to upload custom builds.

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
.... and I hope they do!


Are there any other phone manufacturers preparing to launch phones with Ubuntu Mobile OS?

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
There are several brand name manufacturers that have independently brought Ubuntu mobile up on their next-gen devices and presented that to carriers. No word yet on who might be first to go the distance, but I think that's pretty encouraging given it's off their own bat.


Have you ever been approached by the NSA/ CIA / FBI regarding access to Ubuntu systems and what are your opinions for safe and secure OS'?

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
No, we've never been asked to support a surveillance campaign. We've been asked to provide data in support of specific criminal investigations (child abuse) would do so again. We would not comply with a mass surveillance or extra-judicial request, and we would challenge requests that we think are unwarranted.


Has Canonical been approached by the NSA regarding access to Ubuntu One?

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
No. I do have concerns that we have data in AWS and other US clouds which might be subject to PRISM. We're looking at a range of options to provide both security and also plausible deniability to users of Ubuntu who are surveilled.


Are you worried that the long lead time (due May 2014 if all goes well) and pre-published spec will allow competitors to catch up / overtake and essentially gazump the Edge?

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
It's certainly possible that a particular feature might go into another phone, but the overall goal of a PC-class convergence devices is miles beyond anything the majors are looking to achieve, and I think the Edge will be the first by a long way to try.
If we get it greenlighted, then I hope we bring forward the commercial adoption of some of those tech by at least a year!


Will the phone be officially updated to new versions of android by canonical? I don't have the time and skills to root my phone and flash roms.

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
Yes, I am fairly sure there will be updated ROMs over time, we are working to make it both a very capable device (which will tend to attract a good community) and very open (which eases the path).


Does the Ubuntu Edge has a graphics technology for video games in the pc-mode? PS: Already bought one!

[–]Mark_Shuttleworth[S]
We're working with a few different games publishers on both PC and mobile, so yes, I think gaming on the edge will be pretty radical. It should certainly raise the bar on mobile gaming because we'll have a LOT of RAM and first-class GPU.


http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comment...der_of_ubuntu/