Canonical, the group behind the Ubuntu Linux distribution, has launched a campaign on Indiegogo in order to fund a smartphone project called Ubuntu Edge. The company has some pretty lofty ambitions with a target of raising $32 million over the next 31 days but thus far, the project is off to a solid start.
Unlike traditional smartphones and mobile operating systems that simply look to complement the desktop, the Ubuntu Edge aims to make the device the central component of a desktop PC. The hardware itself will consist of a single piece of textured metal with a 4.5-inch screen under a piece of sapphire crystal. It will operate at 1,280 x 720 and is said to focus on color accuracy and dynamic range over pure pixel density.
The handheld will be powered by the "fastest available" multi-core processor that runs alongside 4GB of RAM and a whopping 128GB of storage. Furthermore, there will be a dual-LTE chip for greater compatibility across wireless carriers and a battery that should be able to keep pace. The company says the device will redefine PC portability and if they are able to pull it off, that could very well be an accurate statement.
Interested parties will need to invest at least $600 (price jumps to $830 after today) to secure an Ubuntu Edge handset at launch. Shipping is free in the US and UK but if you live elsewhere, you'll need to come up with an additional $30. At present, more than $300,000 has been pledged toward the Ubuntu Edge but there's still a very long road ahead.