The company behind the popular Ubuntu operating system may have abandoned the Ubuntu project for mobiles and tablets. But unsurprisingly, several third-party developers have decided continue from where Canonical left off.
UBports was initially founded to port Ubuntu to devices that were not originally supported by Canonical. However, now that Canonical no longer supports any of these devices, UBports decided to continue their work.
Development is currently in early stages, but at this time any mobile that has been sold with Ubuntu Touch software can already be updated to run a UBports build.
Keep in mind that flashing a UBports build right now completely wipes the data of the device, so you should proceed with this in mind. However, in the future there will be tools that will make it easier to flash a new ROM without losing data.
The team also works on a new assisted GPS service which will work with your Ubuntu Touch versions. The mobiles that were sold with Ubuntu had Nokia's HERE Maps service, but since UBports does not have a license to include Nokia's software, the team is preparing a new system that will make use of Mozilla's location services.
In other words, the end goal is to allow users to use any mobile with Ubuntu even after Canonical ends its official support (something that will happen this month). In addition, we could also see changes in the Ubuntu Touch codes, as well as new features and applications.
Until now, UBports has been collecting funds for this project, although the team lacks the resources that Canonical had, so the development of the new features will take longer.
Source: Phoronix