The UBports Foundation has officially released Ubuntu Touch OTA-5, the latest stable version of their privacy-focused mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets. This update brings a range of new features, improvements, and fixes that aim to enhance user experience and device performance.
Key Improvements
key improvements in OTA-5 include a more detailed power profile system that distinguishes between sustained and interactive modes on supported devices. This enhancement ensures that devices can manage power more efficiently, leading to better battery life and performance in different usage scenarios. Additionally, it introduces notifications for calendar synchronization failures due to authentication issues, prompting users to update their passwords if necessary. This feature ensures that users stay informed about synchronization issues and can take immediate action to resolve them.
The update also addresses migration issues for users transitioning from Ubuntu Touch systems based on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to those based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Along with these changes, various security updates and bug fixes are included, so users are encouraged to read the full release announcement for more details.
Supported Devices
Ubuntu Touch OTA-5 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
- F(x)tec Pro1 X
- Fairphone 3 and 3+
- Fairphone 4
- Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL
- JingPad A1
- OnePlus 5 and 5T
- OnePlus 6 and 6T
- Sony Xperia X
- Vollaphone, Vollaphone X, Vollaphone 22, Vollaphone X23
- Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC, and X3
And many more to mention!
Known Issues of Ubuntu OTA-5
However, some known issues remain in this release. Users of the Waydroid Helper app may encounter a broken icon for the “Waydroid Stop” app entry. Additionally, the double-tap-to-wake gesture has been disabled on certain devices like the Google Pixel 3a due to stability concerns. These issues are expected to be addressed in future updates.
Pros
- Improved Power Management: The new power profile system offers better battery management, making devices more efficient and enhancing user experience.
- Enhanced Synchronization Notifications: Users receive timely notifications about calendar synchronization issues, helping them stay organized and up-to-date.
- Security Updates: The update includes several security fixes, making devices more secure and protecting user data.
Cons
- Known Bugs: Despite the improvements, some issues like the broken Waydroid Stop icon and disabled double-tap-to-wake gesture can affect user experience on certain devices.
- Migration Challenges: While migration issues from older Ubuntu Touch versions are addressed, some users may still face challenges during the upgrade process.
Expectations
As users transition to Ubuntu Touch OTA-5, they can expect a more refined and efficient operating system. The granular power profile system and improved synchronization notifications are significant upgrades that enhance daily usability. However, users should also be prepared for some minor bugs and the need for ongoing updates to address these issues.
Overall, Ubuntu Touch OTA-5 brings substantial improvements and new features that make it a worthwhile update for users of the Ubuntu-based mobile operating system. Stay updated and enjoy the new features and improvements with Ubuntu Touch OTA-5!
