Based on press videos I’ve seen so far, Ubuntu on a phone looks as polished as iOS and open as Android, which could make for an attractive combination. The platform doesn’t require a hardware button for the home screen or task switching. Instead, users swipe from the edge of the phone display for in app navigation, settings and the home screen. Web and native apps will be supported. Here’s a short video demo for a quick look:

As nice as the platform looks so far — and I intend to take a closer, hands-on look at the Consumer Electronics Show next week — the mobile aspect is only part of the equation here. This isn’t just a mobile platform; its a full-blown, desktop version of Ubuntu, according to Canonical. The difference is that instead of a desktop user interface, Ubuntu on the phone has a mobile interface. Why is that important? Because when you dock the phone, the traditional desktop version of Ubuntu appears on a connected monitor. From the press release:

“At the high end of the smartphone market Ubuntu creates an entirely new ‘superphone’ category: a phone that becomes a full PC when docked with a keyboard and monitor. Ubuntu is a popular desktop in security-conscious enterprises and government deployments. It includes thin client software that enables Windows apps to be delivered, securely, from the cloud or the enterprise data centre. That full desktop is included in every high-end Ubuntu phone, and the phone can be managed just like an Ubuntu desktop or server, using standard Ubuntu management tools.”

This approach is different from all others at the moment. Apple has iOS on the phone or iPad and OS X on the desktop. Google leans on Android for mobile and Chrome OS for computers. Microsoft has Windows Phone, Windows RT and Windows 8 across the product lines. Ubuntu on the phone and the desktop from a single computing device offers a unified experience on a single platform ranging from handsets to potential tablets and existing laptops or desktops.

One device for multiple needs — with no need for data synchronization or different app versions — isn’t something we have today. I wouldn’t consider Ubuntu for the smartphone alone to be disruptive, but my opinion changes when Ubuntu becomes a scalable platform across multiple form-factors. The idea of a single computing device that fits in a pocket but can be used in a dockable tablet, notebook or desktop could change the game; something we haven’t seen in the smartphone since the 2007 debut of Apple’s iPhone.

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Previously, some Nexus devices weren’t updated for a few weeks after new software became available as newer devices were the first to see the updates. As Google continues to push the direct-to-consumer Nexus brand, however, it makes sense to keep the entire Nexus device line updated with software at the same time for a more consistent experience across the brand.

My Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 review units received the updates last night — stay tuned for the reviews — and both now have lock-screen widgets while the tablet gains multi-user support: Similar to the Chromebook I use, different people in the family can sign in to use the Nexus 10 and have a personalized experience.

Other bits in Android 4.2 include support for wireless video streaming to an HDTV; notification improvements; updates to Google Now and Google Voice Search; a 360-degree camera experience with PhotoSphere; and Gesture Typing for faster keyboard input using a single finger.

Nexus 7 tablet owners that can’t wait for their update can hit Android Police, where the download links and instructions to install Android 4.2 manually are available.

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Court documents filed Thursday say the earlier sales injunction has been “reversed and remanded,” (PDF) as was first noted by Reuters. The appeals court found that the earlier decision to put the sales ban in place was made in error. The judges also said that Apple was unable to successfully establish that the quick search box in Android found on the Galaxy Nexus was so similar to the iPhone’s universal search that it would cause Apple to lose sales, which was the reason given earlier for banning the device.

It’s good news for Samsung that it’s removed a major threat to one of its flagship devices intended to showcase Android 4.0. But it’s still on the hook for more than $1 billion in damages for the rest of its mobile devices found to infringe on a handful of Apple mobile patents earlier this year.

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I’m a fan of the Nexus line, having owned the original Nexus One only to replace it for a GSM Galaxy Nexus last year. I skipped the Nexus S — debuting in between my two handsets — as I didn’t feel it was enough of an upgrade for my money. If the leaked and reported specs are true, however, I may consider retiring my Galaxy Nexus.

The device, assuming there is only one new Nexus, appears based  upon the LG Optimus G, which would fit Google’s mantra of using different hardware partners for the Nexus line. HTC built the first while Samsung was responsible for the next two. Some of the purported specs include:

• A quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 SOC
• 2 GB of memory
• 8 megapixel camera
• 1280 x 768 IPS display
• 8 or 16 GB of storage with no expansion slot
• A non-removable battery
• Integrated wireless charging

I’d anticipate the screen size to be 4.7-inches; same as the Optimus G. The current Galaxy Nexus uses a 4.65-inch display and some of the screen is used for software buttons; the next Nexus will likely omit hardware buttons as well. An improvement to the Android operating system wouldn’t surprise either; not Android 5, but an incremental bump to Android 4.2 would be my expectation.

The big updates here over the Galaxy Nexus are the processor, extra memory, and higher resolution camera sensor, but some may see the lack of microSD slot and integrated battery as cons. All in all, however, if these specifications hold true, the next Nexus could find strong appeal, especially if Google can find a way to price it low: The current Galaxy Nexus can be had without contract for $349.

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When HP decided to open source some of its webOS assets, I wondered what might become of the effort. Clearly, I wasn’t thinking enough of the tinkerers out there that port software to new smartphones and tablets because those very folks have wasted no time in getting Open webOS on at least three devices already.

The low-cost Raspberry Pi — a small, $35 computer with an ARM chip and various other input/output components — is already running on the Open webOS platform, courtesy of an enthusiast known as “aaa801.” The system boots into a terminal console on the Raspberry Pi as there wasn’t a user interface available at the time of the project. But HP surely has an interface: The company ported Open webOS to an HP SmartTouch computer, building a desktop-like version of the webOS environment:

Need more proof that webOS is gaining a second, third or fourth life? The versatile Galaxy Nexus smartphone already has a working port, although hardware acceleration isn’t up to speed. As a result, the operating system isn’t what I’d call usable by a typical smartphone user. But it looks nice – see the video here — and shows what could have been had HP maintained its hardware efforts from the Palm purchase. HP has recently said it would be getting back into the mobile market, but my suspicion is that it will do so with Microsoft Windows Phone as the primary system.

Last up — for now, anyway — are reports of the Asus Transformer Prime being the latest Open webOS device: The Android tablet has a work-in-progress version of Open webOS that sounds promising, mainly because the Prime has a keyboard dock to go with the touchscreen tablet. Again, like the other ports, there’s a ways to go before folks can easily install the new platform on a Prime and run it without fear of crashes or other issues. Still, progress is being made in short order.

So what’s to be gained here for fans of Open webOS? I’m thinking of a system that’s similar to Google Android in that it can easily be tweaked and installed as people see fit but without the backing of carriers. That second point is a good one in my eyes. Carriers still have an abundance of control over which mobile devices and platforms are supported. If Open webOS maintains or increases its momentum, it could be the platform where users are in control. Not the majority of users, of course — most people still like supported ecosystems and devices — but for a select group, Open webOS will continue to live on and on.

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The new phone cost me a pretty penny – £449.98 ($727 US) delivered from the UK to the U.S.  – but I tend to buy unlocked devices off contract. I have an invitation to a Samsung press event in late October, which is likely to be the U.S. launch of the Galaxy Note 2 and if I were to buy one at full price from a US carrier, it would likely cost nearly as much anyway.

I certainly don’t need another smartphone — I currently use a Galaxy Nexus with a $45 a month Straight Talk SIM — but the idea of a device with a mix of phone and tablet form factors is intriguing to me. The original Galaxy Note did as well, but I didn’t feel it was enough of a change from my Galaxy Nexus to spend the money. This time around, I feel differently in terms of the form factor, hardware and Samsung’s updated TouchWiz software with more functionality for the included digital pen.

In fact, after watching this video demonstration, it hit me that Samsung is really blending mobile and desktop use-cases like never before and I decided to take the plunge:

A few examples from the demo illustrate what I’m talking about:

• The new S-Pen and dual digitizer add a new hover view, similar to functionality provided by a mouse cursor on traditional computers. I originally thought this was gimmicky, but the video shows some smart uses. Hover over a calendar event and you get the details without the phone opening a completely new screen, for example.
• The new multitasking feature that shows two apps on the screen at the same time reduces home button presses and app switching. Until recently, our smartphones and tablets have been single app at a time devices; that changes on the Galaxy Note 2 and previously, the Galaxy Note 10.1. Granted, only certain apps support this feature for now. Still, I see productivity potential here.
• Related to the two apps on a screen simultaneously is the dock-like app launcher around the 2:07 mark in the video. There’s no need to tap a hardware button and scroll through pages of apps — our traditional smartphone user interface — when you can customize a floating dock and tap or drag an app for usage.

I like that Samsung slimmed the width as compared to the original Galaxy Note. I found that device a smidge too wide for my hand. And the S-Pen was to small for me to use comfortably; the new one is longer and has a more ergonomic design. Along with these changes that further bridge the gap between desktop and mobile computing, the hardware on the Galaxy Note 2 is impressive; possibly the best for any Android phone at the moment.

The 1.6 GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos chip paired with 2 GB of memory ought to make this device blazing fast and it should be helped by the performance improvements found in Android 4.1. The 5.5-inch display uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, making the Galaxy Note 2 look like an oversized Galaxy S III. Gone is the PenTile display in 1280 x 720 found on my Galaxy Nexus (which I find quite good); the Note 2 uses an HD Super AMOLED screen in the same resolution. Pixel density is down by comparison, but I suspect the lack of PenTile will offset any clarity loss. And while I’m fine with the 5 megapixel camera found on my Galaxy Nexus, I’m looking forward to the 8 megapixel sensor and improved camera software in the Galaxy Note 2.

I’ll very likely keep my Galaxy Nexus, mainly because it gets software updates directly from Google as soon as they’re ready. Heck, I kept, and still have, my old Nexus One, purchased in January of 2010 for the same reason. It’s possible however, that a 5.5-inch phone that doubles as a pseudo-tablet could replace my Nexus 7 tablet. That’s one of the many questions I’ll be looking to answer for myself as I review the new Galaxy Note 2. Stay tuned for a video look at the device when it arrives, which of course will be followed up by a full review!

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How impressed am I with the new iPod touch? So much so that I sold my iPhone 4S; I’ve already ported the number away to the Straight Talk SIM card in my Galaxy Nexus and the sale price is enough to pay the early termination fee and put about $100 towards the 32 GB iPod touch I pre-ordered. And of course, there’s no monthly fee to use the iPod touch, which is a Wi-Fi only device. Just cutting my bills wasn’t the real impetus, however.

Meeting my needs for work and play

Objectively covering the mobile scene on a full-time basis means I really need devices for all of the major platforms, including the up-and-coming ones as well. So I have multiple Android devices, had an iPhone 4S (and still have a current model iPad), own an older Windows Phone handset and even have a Symbian device floating around. I’ll likely consider a BlackBerry 10 handset when they arrive next year if my budget allows and for now, I still have a BlackBerry PlayBook to keep tabs on RIM.

Even though my needs are atypical, I know there are a number of folks that do want to use more than one mobile platform. And why not? I stand by the idea of using whatever devices best suit your needs, regardless of what’s hip, trendy or popular. For me, Android is best, mainly because I’m deeply embedded in Google’s services for both work and personal use. A stock Android device is optimal in that case. Apple’s iOS has benefits too; particularly for my gaming and content consumption needs, and that’s where the iPod touch comes in.

What’s so great about the new iPod touch?

Like the last generation iPod touch, the new one mimics its iPhone counterpart in many ways. This year’s model includes the exact same display as the iPhone 5, complete with integrated touch panel and vibrant screen at 1136 x 640 pixels. I was impressed when looking at this screen in an AT&T store earlier this week; it’s excellent and probably one of the biggest improvements in the device. Besides, I’ve been suggesting that Apple move to a 4-inch display on the iPhone for nearly two years; now that it’s here, I can get it in the touch.

Om touted the benefits of the iPod touch’s updated camera and imaging capabilities earlier this month and although I don’t take as many pictures as others, I’m looking forward at trying the new 5 megapixel shooter. I’m also an avid FaceTime user — my wife and son have iOS products — so the new iSight camera on the front of the iPod touch will come in handy, as will the integrated LED flash. Compared to my new iPad, the iPod touch won’t be as fast, but it does use the same chip found in the iPhone 4S, so from a performance standpoint, I’m sure my needs will be met.

I’m already used to Siri — particularly for adding reminders — on my iPad and old iPhone 4S, so Siri’s inclusion is welcome. And now that we have 75 Mbps FiOS service in the house, I’m sure the faster Wi-Fi in that new iPod touch will come in handy too. I’ll use the new Bluetooth 4.0 support for both wireless headphones as well as the Wahoo Blu Heart Rate monitor I bought earlier this year.

So what’s missing besides that monthly bill I used to have? GPS and mobile broadband are the two big standouts, but I don’t care about the latter. My Android phone works as a Wi-Fi hotspot as needed with no extra charge. Technically, I’m not supposed to use the function with my service plan, but occasional use in the past hasn’t earned me a hand slap from my carrier yet. And the same holds true for GPS; both my phone and my tablet have the radio, so I don’t need it in my iPod touch, which will always be a secondary device.

This works both ways, and that’s OK

Ironically, those embedded deeply in the iOS camp with some Android curiousity could do the same as me, but in reverse. An iPhone 5 paired with a Samsung Galaxy Player, for example, would accomplish the same. The Galaxy Player is similar to an iPod touch — I’m sure that doesn’t surprise –as it’s a Wi-Fi handheld running Android without a 3G or 4G radio.

Again, you may not need or want multiple devices, but for what I do, Apple’s iPod touch is a solid-looking iOS device without the monthly bill of an iPhone. Am I cheating on my Android with an iPod touch? Maybe, but I like to look at is as being married to Android with a little harmless iOS flirting on the side.

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Few, if any, of the hardware components will surprise those that follow Android as the leaked specifications proved true. The 7-inch slate is built on Nvidia’s low cost Kai platform, using the Tegra 3 system on a chip: a quad-core processor with a low powered fifth core and 12 graphics cores. The 1280 x 800 resolution screen looks good and has wide viewing angles. There’s no rear camera sensor, but the front facing camera works well for video chats. So far, the package is peppy in my limited testing.

Part of the reason for that is surely the new software: Nexus 7 is the first device to ship with Android 4.1, also known as Jelly Bean. This too was introduced at Google I/O with a number of refinements and new features that help make the platform more useful with a smoother user experience to boot. Google outlines the many new features on its developer blog here.

I’m already impressed by Google Now, which is part Google Search, part personal assistant, and all controlled by voice. Google Now is contextual in that it learns about you over time and begins personalizing information, sometimes in advance. For example, the software will quickly learn where your home is and when you leave work it can proactively inform you of the commute time. In addition, if there is a way to route around any traffic issues to get you home sooner, Google Now will do that for you as well.

Also included in Jelly Bean are welcome notification improvements. In the past, you could only swipe away a group of unread emails, but now you can wipe individual messages away from your notifications or take immediate action on them. And developers can allow for up to three actions on any notification so you may be able to respond to a Twitter message right from the notification pane, for example.

Jelly Bean also adds some core system optimizations, which Google calls “Butter”, to speed up the overall experience. I’ve already installed Android 4.1 on my Galaxy Nexus, plus I’m using it on the Nexus 7, and see the difference. I wouldn’t say that Android becomes twice as fast as before with Jelly Bean, but it’s a noticeable speed boost for navigation, program switching and all around use.

Unfortunately for those considering to use Jelly Bean on a brand new Galaxy Nexus, there may be a wait. Late in the week, Apple won a preliminary injunction against Samsung for the handset. The unlocked GSM handset dropped in price, now at $349,  just a few days before the injunction.

This is less of an issue for Samsung, however, than it is for Google. Samsung’s Galaxy S III, which could also be targeted for patent violation, is surely a better seller. Google is trying to crack the direct handset sale market with the Galaxy Nexus, so I suspect that the company will finally get involved in the legal spats to help out its hardware partners as a result.

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All eyes of the Android faithful will be squarely on Google this week, as the company is holding its annual Google I/O event in San Francisco. The three-day conference starts Wednesday and is aimed at developers, but is often used as a stage to show off new device and platform offerings for both consumers and enterprises alike. Here’s a look at what is likely to be introduced even though Google could yet have some additional surprises.

An incremental software upgrade

Don’t expect to see or hear about Android 5.0. Instead, Google is more likely to show off Android 4.1, which goes by the code name of Jelly Bean. As a result, this won’t be an overhaul of Android like the jump from Honeycomb (Android 3.0) to Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). I’m anticipating some minor visual updates to start; possibly some tweaked user interface element styles with a frosted glass, more industrial look.

With this being a developer event, Google should introduce some new APIs that allow programmers to tap into more of the features and functions of Android devices. One of those could be tied to an updated Google Voice Search app that is part search, part hands-free controller and part assistant, much like Apple’s Siri. At a minimum, I expect improved voice control features and I hope that Google opens up the functionality for third-party programmers to add in to their software.

Google’s GSM Galaxy Nexus is sure to first get Android 4.1 — possibly this week — but I anticipate another device to soon ship with Jelly Bean, directly from Google.

A showcase tablet: The Nexus 7

What better way to show off Android 4.1 than with a new device direct from the Google Play store? Look for a 7-inch tablet built by Asus for Google to be sold directly to consumers at a compelling price point. Early leaks haven’t been confirmed, but the alleged Nexus 7 is likely to be powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 3, use a 1280 x 800 IPS screen, and come in two models: 8 GB for $199 and 16 GB for $249. I’m hopeful that the device will offer a microSD card expansion slot when announced.

Although Google is expected to sell its slate via the web, I think there’s a reasonable chance that it announces some retail partnerships as well. A 7-inch Android tablet would compete against other small consumption-oriented slates available in various brick-and-mortar stores in addition to the web. Think of Amazon’s Kindle Fire and the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet: Both can be test driven in stores, which helps customers make a better purchasing decision.

Other possibilities

I anticipate that at least in some small form, Google adds more integration between Android and Chrome. It could be an updated version of Chrome for Android, or perhaps the removal of the apps beta tag. Additionally, at some point, the stock web browser in Android is likely to give way to Chrome, and that could happen with Android 4.1

Those waiting for another Nexus handset are likely to be disappointed. Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus, while lacking in some aspects compared to the new Galaxy S III is still expected to be Google’s flagship phone. Google is more likely to introduce a new Nexus handset when it debuts the next major release of Android.

I foresee an off chance that Android 4.1 brings about more integration between an a phone and tablet both running the same operating system. With the Chrome browser, you can already open a tab on your phone and then view it on a tablet, but Google could add support for saving an app state in Android 4.1, allowing you to pick up one one device where you left off on another in nearly any supported app.

Google Docs on mobile devices could gain improved features thanks to Google’s purchase of Quickoffice earlier this month. I don’t think that Google will release any new functionality yet as it hasn’t had much time to integrate Quickoffice with Google Docs for mobile, but it could demonstrate what’s coming soon.

One other tidbit that Google will surely deliver: Plenty of numbers. Expect the company to tout the fast growing Android user base, which I anticipate is now a million device activations per day.

Also check out Janko Roettgers’ take on what to expect from Google TV during Google I/O.

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Similar to the Nexus is the Galaxy S III, although it shows many improvements both in the hardware and software. Both are made by Samsung, hence the similarities, but those looking for cutting-edge performance in a thin 4.8-inch high-resolution smartphone should certainly check out Samsung’s new phone. My own experiences show a device that many people will be happy to use for quite some time, even if they purchase on a 2-year contract. I don’t think Samsung’s competitors will catch up that quickly on the software front.

The trick is, however, finding a Galaxy S III. Even though the device is launching on five U.S. carriers, it’s already playing hard to get. This week both Sprint(s) and AT&T announced they were experiencing inventory shortages due to high demand.

Verizon never planned to deliver the phone until early July, possibly expecting or planning for such a situation. T-Mobile does have the Galaxy S III in limited markets, but is charging $80 more per handset; even after a $50 mail-in rebate. Still, I think the phone is worth the wait. And if it weren’t for fast Android updates direct from Google, I’d likely buy one myself.

One of the appealing features of Android as a whole has two updated options this week: Both Swype and SwiftKey improved their keyboard software for Android devices. Swype gained XT9 predictive text technologies to improve the keyboard’s ability to guess the word you’ve swiped. It does so through sentence context. Even better: The keyboard learns to better predict phrases by scanning your prior communications, helping to automatically insert the right text.

SwiftKey actually offered that same learning technology last year in a similar fashion, but now improves with a range of small, but useful features: smart spacing, two new themes — including the Android 4.0 “Holo” look — larger spacebar, dedicated comma key, and faster access to common punctuation.

I’ll go back to try the new Swype, but I find SwiftKey to be a better option for my fingers. You can find SwiftKey in the Google Play store for $1.99 (half price this week) while registering for the Swype beta will get you a free direct download.

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