Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
No new Ubuntu smartphones have been released in a while. But owners of existing devices can experience a new feel by updating them to UBports Ubuntu Touch OS .
After Canonical suddenly announced their plans to terminate support of Ubuntu Touch in the beginning of 2017, the programming source code for the project was taken up by the UBports community. UBports have developed their own version of the Ubuntu Touch OS. They have been hard at work making sure that you can update your legacy Ubuntu phone to the new version.
So, while no-one is making any new Ubuntu smartphones for now, you can experience a new feel on your existing Ubuntu device. In the early days of UBports, the update was a tedious process that required some technical knowledge. How, there is a software that has made the process easy to complete by anyone with a PC.
What You Need To Update To UBports Ubuntu Touch OS
- Download the Ubports Installer HERE . Available for Windows PC, Linux,
- Launch the software
- Connect your Ubuntu phone to your PC with a USB cable and enable developer mode
- Select “Switch to UBports” on the software
- Your Ubuntu phone will enter FastBoot mode
- Follow the prompts to complete the update
Note that your Ubuntu phone will be wiped during this update. As such, we advise that you make a backup before starting.
New Features of UBports Ubuntu Touch OS
The new version of Ubuntu Touch OS has some new features that you just might like. These include:
- Flashlight toggle in the battery indicator (For Qualcomm devices only, due to closed-source Mediatek drivers)
- A new version of the OpenStore (the original one died with Canonical’s abandonment)
- Updated boot spinner
- Optional custom backgrounds for the homescreen
- Calendar can now sync with generic CalDAV servers
- Display changelogs for stable OTA updates
Let us know how your update experience went.
- Don’t miss our reviews .
- Join our WhatsApp Group , to be notified of the most important articles and deals,
- Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube .
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
Freetel is a Japanese wireless carrier that also develops and manufactures Android smartphones. The company was established in 2012 and began selling its first batch of smartphones in 2013. The brand’s focus is the budget segment of the market.
Made by Japan; Built in China
As is the case with many other smartphone brands, manufacturing of Freetel mobile phones is done in China. The design and quality control is handled by Freetel. As a result, the brand has a set of compelling mobile devices on offer. Plus One Marketing handles distribution and sales of their products.
Freetel Prepaid Phones Go International
Japanese brands haven’t done well in the international smartphone market over the years. Japan’s biggest mobile phone brand, Sony Mobile, has struggled to make profits . However, Freetel is hoping to change Japan’s luck on the global map and began a push to sell internationally in 2015.
In 2016, Freetel prepaid phones were introduced into the US smartphone market when the 6-inch Kiwami flagship phablet was launched. In Africa, their smartphones are currently available in Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria. The first device it introduced into Nigeria is the ICE 2 smartphone ( phone specifications here and phone review here ).
Since the international operation started, the brand’s mobile phones have been sold in 20 countries across Asia, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. The company is hoping to sell 10 million handsets overall in the 2018 financial year.
The Financial Struggles of Freetel
However, all has not been rosy. Reports say that Freetel’s mobile phone business has not been profitable and has been posting losses. It has been reported that it may be purchased by Rakuten . Rakuten is a Japanese giant that is into e-commerce. Rakuten operates in 29 countries and regions and is on Forbes World’s Most Innovative Companies List .
If the deal goes through, Rakuten will pay about USD 4.6 million for the struggling mobile phone business in November 2017.
2022 Update: Freetel was acquired in 2018 by Maya Systems, for an undisclosed amount. The company continues to operate with its brand name under Maya Systems.
- Don’t miss our reviews .
- Join our WhatsApp Group , to be notified of the most important articles and deals,
- Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube .
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
