The first time we talked about a version of Ubuntu aimed at tablets was back in February 2013. Much has happened since then, including the failed crowdfunding campaign for Ubuntu Edge, the announcement of Ubuntu Touch, and the first smartphone with Ubuntu preinstalled. That brings us to Canonical's latest announcement: Spanish company BQ, the same one that sells Ubuntu smartphones, will market the Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition tablet, built on ARM architecture.
Are the major Linux distributions ready to earn a place in the mobile market? While it's technically correct to view Android as "one more Linux distro", many enthusiasts out there believe that Google's involvement forces a different perspective. There's no doubt in my mind that the Ubuntu project (and by extension Canonical) has shown the most enthusiasm about positioning itself among mobile devices. In fact, a simple search will reveal the current lineup of Ubuntu smartphones, which includes two models from BQ, the Aquaris E4.5 along with the 5 HD, and the Meizu MX4, which is harder to find. But what's coming next isn't another phone—it's a tablet.
Specifications
Its name is Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition, and as you can see, it's part of the device family that Spanish company BQ sells. The announcement on Ubuntu's official page features a single image, but it also lists the complete specifications. The Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition is based on ARM architecture, featuring a MediaTek MT8163A quad-core SoC running up to 1.5 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 10.1-inch display, a microSD slot supporting cards up to 64 gigabytes, two cameras (8 and 5 megapixels respectively), front-facing speakers, a Micro HDMI port (which lets you connect the tablet to a monitor and use it as a PC), and a 7,280 mAh battery.
Launch and Further Details
Everything suggests the Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition will hit the market in March, but the official announcement says nothing about pricing. All it offers is the option to leave your email and receive updates. In the coming days, with the 2016 Mobile World Congress approaching, we'll surely have more details to share.
