Midrange BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition is the World’s first Ubuntu Phone

Ubuntu is now finally on mobile phone and the world’s first ubuntu phone is the BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition. The device would come with mid-range specs and would be commercially available in Europe starting February 9th for €170 through flash sales.

The BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition would be available through online webstores which would be announced through @ubuntu and @bqreaders on twitter. The device would also be available through telecom carriers – Giffgaff (UK), Portugal Telecom, Amena.com and 3 Sweden which would all be offering SIM bundles on purchase.

Specs-Wise the BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition features a 4.5-inch (540 x 960 pixels) qHD display, powered by a quad-core MediaTek Cortex A7 processor which clocks at 1.3GHz with 1GB of RAM, Dual SIM, 5MP front camera, 8MP AF main camera with Dual LED flash. The specs are so awesome but the main catch would be the OS which is based on scopes.

The Ubuntu Phone OS is said to be primarily gesture based and has similar features with its competitors with a multitasking menu and a notification bar which toggles on top. The OS differentiates itself with its ability to provide relevant contextual information.

Commenting on the launch Jane Silber, CEO at Canonical comments;

“The launch of the first Ubuntu smartphones is a significant milestone. The new experience we deliver for users, as well as the opportunities for differentiation for manufacturers and operators, are a compelling and much-needed change from what is available today. We’re excited that a rising star like BQ has recognised this opportunity and is helping us make it a reality.”

Cristian Parrino, VP Mobile at Canonical added:

“Ubuntu presents users with an entirely different way to engage with their devices – Scopes guide you to content you want – in the same way you think about it – to deliver a smooth, engaging experience. “For developers, Scopes are a much simpler and more valuable way to build mobile experiences than apps – significantly changing ecosystem dynamics.”

Finally, Canonical can heave a sigh of relief; the company teamed up with BQ and Meizu about two year ago to release Ubuntu phones and so far this is the only one. Meizu is still expected to release a Ubuntu edition of its smartphone – could be the Meizu MX4.