OTA 4 for Ubuntu Touch will include numerous new features

May 6, 2015 05:07 GMT  ·  By

The roadmap for the next major update of the Ubuntu Touch mobile operating system used in various Ubuntu Phone devices, including BQ Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition and Nexus 4, was revealed on May 5 during a "Phone roadmap" session as part of the Ubuntu Online Summit event that takes place these days between May 5 and 7.

Some of the most prominent names in the development of Ubuntu Touch gathered together to discuss the upcoming features that would be implemented in the Ubuntu for phones operating system. Additionally, it was revealed that the next major OTA update for Ubuntu Touch would arrive by the end of May 2015 and would be based on Ubuntu 15.04 (Vivid Vervet). There are no plans for an Ubuntu 15.10 (Wily Werewolf) base at this time.

The OTA 4 update includes awesome new features

Among some of the most important features that will be implemented in the OTA 4 update for Ubuntu Touch, we can mention enhancements to the web browser, such as improved scrolling smoothness, a proper settings panel, better search suggestions, full-screen improvements, as well as proper save and restore navigation state between runs.

Additionally, there will be some enhancements to the address book, including support for importing SIM contacts, a new settings panel, improved first-time user experience, as well as numerous other small under-the-hood changes that will make a big difference. For more details, please watch the entire "Phone roadmap" session in the video attached below.

The OTA 3.5 bugfix update is expected this week

Until we are able to update our Ubuntu phones to the OTA 4 update, which will include many of the features mentioned above, the Ubuntu Touch developers are planning a bugfix update this week, dubbed OTA-3.5, which should patch a bunch of critical issues in 3G, Location Services, data support, and battery improvements.