Ubuntu Touch OS Developer Preview Released – Guide to Install it on Nexus Android Devices

Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview build is now available and is ready to be installed on Nexus android devices. This initial version won’t bring all the functions to your device but the basic ones are present. You can make call, receive SMS, connect to WiFi network, use front and back camera and play with Shell and core applications.

ubuntu-android-nexus

On the following devices you can flash Ubuntu Touch OS:

The whole process of flashing Nexus devices with Ubuntu can be divided into three steps:

  • Preparing the Developer preview tools
  • Making Ready Nexus devices for the change
  • Installing Ubuntu Touch OS

Step 1: Prepare the Developer Preview Tools

Follow these steps to prepare Developer Preview Tools PPA on your desktop system.

Add the Ubuntu Touch PPA by adding the following custom source list entry to your /etc/apt/sources.list file.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phablet-team/tools

Then do the following:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install phablet-tools android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

Step 2: Prepare your Nexus Device

This step can be further divided into two sub-steps.

Step 2 (A) Unlocking the device: If your device is already unlocked, you can skip this step. Otherwise follow these steps to unlock the boot loader.

  • Shut down your Nexus.
  • Start your device by holding down the power button + Volume Up + Volume Down at the same. Keep these keys pressed until you see up-turned Android image.
  • Open terminal and run the following command.

fastboot oem unlock

  • Accept the terms and conditions on Nexus device to continue.

Step 2 (b) Device Preparation:

After your device is unlocked, reboot your device in Android. Now enable debugging mode under Developer options.

nexus-4-debugging

 

Here is how you can do for different android versions:

  • on Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0) go to Settings and turn on USB Debugging (Settings > System > Developer options > USB debugging).
  • on Jelly Bean (versions 4.1 and 4.2) you need to enter Settings, About [Phone|Tablet] and tap the Build number 7 times to see the Developer Options, activate USB Debugging via Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.
  • on 4.2.2 you will need to accept a host key on the device, if you already had adb installed, do the following

On the workstation-> adb kill-server; adb start-server

Now connect your device with the desktop system. A pop up message will appear. Accept the host key if you want to install Ubuntu.

Step 3: Flashing Ubuntu Touch Build

Now open the terminal and run the following commands:

phablet-flash -b

You’ll be asked first and last time to accept the changes by writing “Yes”. Do it and let the system deploy the latest build on your device. Once completed the device will reboot in Ubuntu OS.

Disclaimer: This guide is published for educational purposes only. We won’t be responsible in case of any damage.

Source: Ubuntu Wiki Image Credit: omgubuntu

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By A. Usman

Loves new tech, especially from Apple and Google.

View all of A. Usman's posts.

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