ReleaseNotes

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13.10 represents a major step forward for the Ubuntu project, because it features the first image to support phones. Furthermore, the Ubuntu phone images feature a set of new technologies that solve many of the longstanding difficulties with Ubuntu distros. Specifically: 13.10 represents a major step forward for the Ubuntu project, because it features the first image to support phones. Subsequent releases including 14.04 and 14.10 also have phone images. The current releases are based around 14.10 but will move to vivid (15.04) soon. Furthermore, the Ubuntu phone images feature a set of new technologies that solve many of the longstanding difficulties with Ubuntu distros. Specifically:
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For 13.10, Ubuntu primarily supports the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 phones, though there are images available for other phones and tablets. For 14.10, Ubuntu primarily supports the Nexus 4 phone and Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, though there are images available for other phones and tablets.
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The images have a pre-configured user account called `phablet`, with the account password also set to `phablet`.
There is a set of default sample accounts for the tablet, the login passwords are set to the first name in lowercase. These are for demonstration purposes and do not affect the user session.		 The images have a pre-configured user account called `phablet`, with the account password also set to whatever you configure in System Settings -> Security & privacy -> Lock Phone.
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=== Accessing the device over ADB ===

It is recommended to access the device through SSH to properly see the Ubuntu PID namespace. However you can adb into the device as well for some tasks. Do the following:

 1. Start a terminal on your computer by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+T key combination
 1. If you have already set up your environment for flashing Ubuntu images, skip to the next step. Otherwise [[../Install#Setup_the_Touch_Developer_Preview_Tools_PPA|install the Touch Preview tools PPA]].
 1. Run the following commands to connect to the device through ADB:
 {{{
adb root
adb shell}}}
 1. Execute the following command to run as user `phablet` (required to run apps in an initialized session):
 {{{
sudo -u phablet -i}}}

NOTE: you will not be able to run `ps` or view processes by accessing the device in this manner; please [[#SshAccess|use SSH]] if you are intending to monitor processes.
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 * Phone (Dialer, SMS, Address Book)  * Dialer, SMS, Address Book
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 * Clock
 * Reminders
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Alternatively you can import contacts from a csv file. The csv file should be in same format as `/usr/share/demo-assets/contacts-data/data.csv`. Replace the sample `data.csv` file with your own version and run `manage-address-books.py create` to import your contacts.

You can also import your Google Contacts: http://sergiusens.github.io/posts/google-contacts-on-ubuntu-touch.html		 Contacts can also be synced from Google via System Settings -> Accounts.
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Videos can be copied onto the device into the `/home/phablet/Videos` folder and viewed with the Media Player application. They can be surfaced in the video lens by modifying the `/usr/share/unity/lenses/mockvideos/mockvideos.json` file to point at your installed videos (this process will be automatic in the future).

Alternatively, you can run the Media Player from the shell by running the following command:
 {{{
media-player <full_path_to_video_file> --desktop_file_hint=/usr/share/applications/media-player.desktop
}}}

=== Upgrades ===

Some parts of the image can’t currently be upgraded, so it is best to [[Touch/Install|deploy a full updated image]]. Some individual apps can be updated with `apt`, though. First add the phablet-team ppa (https://launchpad.net/~phablet-team/+archive/ppa) to /etc/apt/sources.list. Then run the following command with root permissions to update apps:
 {{{
# apt-get update && apt-get upgrade
}}}		 Videos can be copied onto the device into the `/home/phablet/Videos` folder and viewed with the Media Player application. They are surfaced in the video scope and Gallery app.
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=== Memory Usage ===

Memory usage has not yet been optimized for the devices. It is possible to experience application crashes due to having too many applications open at the same time. A workaround is to close apps that are not being used.

=== Language and keyboard ===

A Settings UI for selecting the language and keyboard/input method is currently in the works. In the meantime, the settings can be changed from the command line.

==== Keyboard ====
These instructions require you to be using a saucy version of Ubuntu Touch. If you are on raring, please upgrade to the latest Ubuntu Touch for saucy with `phablet-flash`.

 1. settings work via gsettings cli:
    * adb shell sudo -iu phablet gsettings set com.canonical.keyboard.maliit auto-capitalization false

    * adb shell sudo -iu phablet gsettings set com.canonical.keyboard.maliit auto-completion false

    * adb shell sudo -iu phablet gsettings set com.canonical.keyboard.maliit key-press-feedback false

    * adb shell sudo -iu phablet gsettings set com.canonical.keyboard.maliit predictive-text true

    * adb shell sudo -iu phablet gsettings set com.canonical.keyboard.maliit spell-checking false

    * adb shell sudo -iu phablet gsettings set com.canonical.keyboard.maliit enabled-languages "['en_us', 'es', 'fr', 'pt', 'de', 'zh_cn_pinyin']"

 1. Restart the phone: adb reboot

==== Language ====

To set your system language to display localized strings (where available) in applications, do the following. In the example we'll be changing the language to Simplified Chinese (language code {{{zh_CN}}}). For any other language, replace the {{{zh_CN}}} by your language's ISO 639 code. E.g. {{{it}}} for Italian, {{{pt_BR}}} for Brazilian Portuguese, etc.

 1. [[#SshAccess|Access your device through SSH]] or start the Terminal app on your device
 1. Then on the terminal connected to your device run:
 {{{
sudo apt-get install fonts-droid # Required only if your language requires additional fonts
sudo locale-gen zh_CN
sudo vi /etc/default/locale # Then change LANG="en_US.UTF-8" to LANG="zh_CN.UTF-8"
sudo vi /etc/environment # Then change LANG="zh_CN.UTF-8" and LANGUAGE="zh_CN"
reboot
make sure (using env) that LANGUAGE is set to the desired locale.
}}}
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 * Airplane Mode/Wi-Fi Power Control
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 * Bluetooth
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The Developer Preview currently only supports '''limited voice and SMS over GSM and WCDMA'''. The Developer Preview currently only supports '''voice and SMS over GSM and WCDMA'''.
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 * LTE
 * Airplane Mode
 * Settings ( eg. APN choice, 2G only, … )

'''Mobile data is generally not supported, data is available via Wi-Fi only.''' However, for instructions on how to enable 3G on devices, please see the following [[https://plus.google.com/100264483712374857174/posts/3o1tjYo9Ghx|G+ post]] by Ricardo Salveti.
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 * Emergency Call Support ( ie. ability to dial emergency numbers without a valid SIM card ).
 * PIN/PUK support for locked SIMs
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 * MMS
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=== Galaxy Nexus ===

 * The 802.11a protocol (i.e. 5GHz) is currently not working.
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 * People lens sometimes comes up empty after first flashing the device and booting. Rebooting fixes the issue.
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 * Camera and video decoding do not function.
 * No multi-user login.
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You can now install and execute applications on your device from a computer running Qt Creator: You can now install and execute applications on your device from a computer running Qt Creator, the following page covers this topic in detail:-
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 1. '''Plug in''' your mobile device running Ubuntu on the '''USB''' port of your computer
 1. Make sure your device is also '''connected to a wireless network''' (SSH key pairing happens over the air)
 1. Start Qt Creator from the Dash, and select the new '''Devices''' tab
 1. Press the '''Enable''' button to activate '''Developer Mode'''
 1. Develop your QML projects as usual (best way is to use one of the '''Ubuntu application templates''' in the File > New File or Project... menu entry). They will ensure that there is an {{{ApplicationName.desktop}}} file (where {{{ApplicationName}}} is the name of your application) with content similar to the following one: {{{
[Desktop Entry]
Encoding=UTF-8
Type=Application
Terminal=false
Exec=/usr/bin/qmlscene
Name=ApplicationName
GenericName=ApplicationName
Comment=My project description
Icon=ubuntu-qmlrunner
}}}
 1. Once the device is connected, you can press '''Ctrl+F12''' to install and execute your app on the remote device		 https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/apps/sdk/tutorials/running-apps-from-the-sdk/
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Alternatively, you can manually install Qt5/QML-based apps and run them on the device.

  1. Use `adb push` to copy your package or files to the device
  1. [[#SshAccess|SSH into your device]] as user `phablet`
  1. To run, use
{{{
qmlscene --desktop_file_hint=/usr/share/applications/qmlscene.desktop YourApp.qml
}}}

Applications will be launched minimized by default. Go to the '''Apps lens''' and select your app from the list of '''Running Applications''' to bring it to the foreground

=== Known Issues ===
 * Applications launched on the device from Qt Creator start up in a non-focused mode. Remotely-executed apps are in thumbview mode in the Running Apps section on the Apps lens
 * The remotely-executed apps can not be focused by tapping on the thumbview, they need to be focused with a right-edge swipe
 * Documentation for the remote deployment feature is not yet available
 *Qt Creator does not use the system fonts
 * The welcome screen needs some visual improvements coming up soon

Warning /!\ Ubuntu Touch is no longer maintained as a core product by Canonical. However, the Ubports community are continuing development.

Warning /!\ NOTE: These release notes are out-dated. They were published for 13.10 (that's a long time ago in Ubuntu land). Some things have changed since then. Do not use this guide for retail production bq phones.

Ubuntu Touch Release Notes for Saucy Salamander (A.K.A Phone 1.0)

13.10 represents a major step forward for the Ubuntu project, because it features the first image to support phones. Subsequent releases including 14.04 and 14.10 also have phone images. The current releases are based around 14.10 but will move to vivid (15.04) soon. Furthermore, the Ubuntu phone images feature a set of new technologies that solve many of the longstanding difficulties with Ubuntu distros. Specifically:

  • Image based updates
  • A complete SDK
  • Application Isolation
  • Click packages and click installer with app store
  • Mir Display Server and Window Manager
  • Unity 8

For 14.10, Ubuntu primarily supports the Nexus 4 phone and Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, though there are images available for other phones and tablets.

Known Issues for 13.10

Please check https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SaucySalamander/ReleaseNotes#Ubuntu_for_phones for more details about the known issues for the 13.10 release for Touch.

Disclaimer

"Touch Developer Preview for Ubuntu" is released for free non-commercial use. It is provided without warranty, even the implied warranty of merchantability, satisfaction or fitness for a particular use. See the licence included with each program for details.

Some licences may grant additional rights; this notice shall not limit your rights under each program's licence. Licences for each program are available in the usr/share/doc directory. Source code for Ubuntu can be downloaded from archive.ubuntu.com. Ubuntu, the Ubuntu logo and Canonical are registered trademarks of Canonical Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

"Touch Preview for Ubuntu" is released for limited use due to the inclusion of binary hardware support files. The original components and licenses can be found at:

https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/drivers

Overview

Follow for the installation instructions to install Touch, which include a list of supported devices.

This release uses Ubuntu 13.10 as its basis. It introduces a revised version of Unity oriented toward touch devices and new concepts in user experience. It also introduces a set of applications written using the previously announced Ubuntu SDK Preview.

Accessing the system for development

User Accounts

The images have a pre-configured user account called phablet, with the account password also set to whatever you configure in System Settings -> Security & privacy -> Lock Phone.

Accessing the device over SSH

The following Askubuntu answer covers this.

http://askubuntu.com/a/599041

Applications

The Developer Preview comes with the following functional applications:

  • Gallery
  • Dialer, SMS, Address Book
  • Camera
  • Browser
  • Media Player
  • Notepad
  • Music app
  • Calculator
  • Weather app
  • Clock
  • Reminders

Installing new apps

See the SDK documentation for information on how to install apps on the device with Qt Creator.

Adding Content

Contacts

Contacts can be added in the address book of the Phone application. Launch the Phone application and swipe to the “Contacts” tab. You can manually enter your contacts from there. Contacts can also be synced from Google via System Settings -> Accounts.

Photos

Photos can be added to the device and viewed in the Gallery application. They can be copied into /home/phablet/Pictures folder and they will be displayed in the Gallery. Also, pictures can be taken with the Camera application and they will automatically appear in the Gallery.

Videos

Videos can be copied onto the device into the /home/phablet/Videos folder and viewed with the Media Player application. They are surfaced in the video scope and Gallery app.

Porting to other devices

If you are interested in getting the Touch Preview working on a new device, please see our porting guide.

Known Issues

Networking

The Developer Preview has support for Wi-Fi networking via the new network indicator, which supports basic Wi-Fi connections (Open, WEP and WPA Personal). It is possible to configure more advanced settings, however at this time this requires working directly with Network Manager system connection files.

The following network features are not yet included in the Developer Preview:

  • Advanced Settings (e.g. Hidden SSIDs, Manual IP, VPN…)
  • Hot Spot/Tethering

Telephony

The Developer Preview currently only supports voice and SMS over GSM and WCDMA.

The following Radio technologies are not yet included in the Developer Preview:

  • CDMA

These Call features are not yet supported:

  • No SIM filesystem support

These SMS features are not yet implemented:

  • Send error handling
  • Delivery Reports

Device Specific Issues

Nexus 4

  • In rare circumstances, the Nexus4 may get into a state where it may not boot at all after the battery is drained (even into recovery). If this happens, the only way to restore it is to disassemble the back of the phone and unplug/plug the battery connector. See Power Consumption to learn how to avoid discharging the phone completely.

  • Radio firmware above radio-mako-m9615a-cefwmazm-2.0.1700.84 not supported.

Nexus 10

  • Taking pictures with the camera application causes an issue with audio. The volume indicator and volume keys will not work to control the sound until reboot.

Nexus 7

  • Runs in portrait mode by default (no side stage)

Devices with 1080 screens

Set the GRID_UNIT_PX environment variable to an appropriate value for the device (i.e. 30 for a 5” handset screen) in the /usr/bin/ubuntu-session script and in the /home/phablet/.bashrc file.

Ubuntu SDK Alpha

You can now install and execute applications on your device from a computer running Qt Creator, the following page covers this topic in detail:-

https://developer.ubuntu.com/en/apps/sdk/tutorials/running-apps-from-the-sdk/

Touch/ReleaseNotes (last edited 2017-02-07 11:25:28 by sil2100)