Yesterday we brought you the news of Ubuntu TV and its Unity-inspired UI, but today the company has shared a video showing exactly what to expect. It will have DVR capabilities and support for broadcast channels in US and EU formats, and a "shared-screen experience" with iOS, Android, and Ubuntu devices, letting you use a phone or tablet to view information related to whatever you're watching. There will also be smartphone apps for controlling your set. We get a look at the interface for scrubbing through videos, the included store for purchasing TV shows and movies, as well as the built-in program guide. It has a search bar up top that can learn your preferences make suggestions and searches various online sources. We spotted buttons for YouTube and BBC iPlayer along the left rail, though Ubuntu's site touts that it'll be open to developers and apps will be available in the Ubuntu Software Centre. There should be a prototype device on the show floor here at CES 2012, so stay tuned for more.
There are 21 Comments. Add yours.
Not interested. As long as Ubuntu isn’t securing partners, they’re going to have a market share just like PCs. Imagine, Samsung and Lg have already shown that they have proprietary software(Smart TVs) and Apple and Google are in the battle for the boxes, which ALSO includes Microsoft (Xbox) and Sony (PS3).
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:07 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
I think they are aiming at being just that. For any of us that are not happy with what is out there, we can always turn to it – just like Ubuntu for computers. While it does not come pre-packaged with new computers, it is there for any one who is not satisfied with the usual OSs
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:16 PM EST reply Recommend (6) Flag actions
Absolutely agree. I’d happily put Ubuntu TV onto a television for the same reason I have a Linux distro on my laptop: freedom to change, update and customise with libre software.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:18 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
have you really seen many open hardware platforms? just like phones, android devices and other systems you will probably have to root this to get what you want and by the time you do that, is it any better than an STB that affords you the same functionality without the risk of having to replace your tv to get more? (or end back up with external devices where you started)
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:20 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
There are quite a few open source hardware platforms out there. Also, it’s not necessarily about making something better or replicating functionality as it is wanting to the freedom to install libre software on a device.
Installing an Operating System onto a device (laptop/phone/TV) is not something everyone will want to or understand how to do but for those who do want to, the ability would be very welcome.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:26 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
This would be so hot on a PS3. Thanks Sony #ironic
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:17 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
To be fair, Android put an end to most proprietary mobile OSs, Canonical could do the same.
That said, that looks like a great interface. Hopefully it has the power to replace the Comcast/Xfinity cable box (or any company, for that matter), otherwise you’ll never use it.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:22 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Im sold. If the price is right that is.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:16 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
It looks beautiful. I would buy a TV with that on it!
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:18 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Ok ok…but how do we get movies?
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:19 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Im guessing it would have a similar shopping model as boxee. With Amazon, Nexflix, Blockbuster ect. What I would also expect Ubuntu tv to have would include samba streaming… which is what I use for almost all my entertainment via xbmc or my wdtv. For that matter look at synaptic to see what is available currently.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:22 PM EST reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
Would definetily by this one of they get streamng content and if it also ships on future tvs.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:23 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
This is awesome! The negativity this is getting is obvious fear from closed outdated thinking.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:25 PM EST reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Just take my money already!
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:38 PM EST reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Looks nice. Does it run on ARM?
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:50 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Don’t most cable providers force you to buy a receiver no matter what? That is, if you use your Xbox 360 or a smart TV, don’t you need at least a regular, non-DVR cable box?
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 1:51 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
CableCARD. Cheaper than renting a Set Top Box and better picture cuz the signal doesn’t have to be compressed to pass through your limited STB hardware. Also, if you need an STB (as in, your device doesn’t have a CableCARD slot), it can be DVR. Doesn’t have to be a non-DVR STB.
Posted on Jan 15, 2012 | 12:00 AM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
They really need Netflix/Amazon on board.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 3:05 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
So if this thing catches on, I’m going to have to tell family to pronounce it, “Ubuntu,” as opposed to how I imagine they’ll call it, “What’s uh-bun-tuh Tuy-Vuy!?” They have a weird accent.
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 4:26 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Is this just a custom linux distro or will it be specific to a TVs hardware?
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 4:38 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
Ubuntu’s website lists “Shared-screen experience with iOS, Android and Ubuntu devices.” could that be some kind of AirPlay functionality? http://www.ubuntu.com/tv
Posted on Jan 09, 2012 | 11:51 PM EST reply Recommend Flag actions
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