Ubuntu Mobile PC Cooperative

[EraCoop]

I have pain in my Heart to see the failure of Ubuntu Edge Campaign.
I will leave the post here for historic events that many of us go beyond the word "support" for Ubuntu Edge.
that many of us are not happy with Mark S and Canonical to end the Campaign without allowing community to run the campaign further.

Johnny, Aug 22 14:58 Hi there, Thanks for reaching out. It is canonical's decision to extend a campaign on Indiegogo because it is ultimately the campaign owners decision.
We would have been more than happy to work with canonical if they had requested it but they didn't'.
I would suggest speaking with canonical regarding your concern about the extension.
Thank you for your understanding, and please let me know if you have any further questions. Cheers, Johnny Customer Happiness

Yes I hope "Ubuntu Edge Spirit" will live on,
and it will create discussions and hope it can create the "Ubuntu Edge Spirit" Cooperative, in what ever "names".
So in the future it is "the community" to decide the fate of the campaign and not "the Canonical staffs".


a few people took actions to keep in touch and see if they can do something.
Dian N is at http://www.indiegogo.com/individuals/4050575/activities
To stay in touch email bleedingedge@wisconsin.cc if you want to share email with the others, you must say so or it will not be shared.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6255585
======================
Ubuntu Moblile PC Co-operative. (1 First Draft) move to NO.6 post.
=====================
Ubuntu Moblile PC Co-operative. (2 Draft updated after the Canonical's failed Ubuntu Edge Campaign)

1. The Objectives.

1.1 To be run by Ubuntu Community to promote of the new Ubuntu Mobile PC.
1.2 To be leading Mobile PC designer and seller of the new Ubuntu/Android/Linux Mobile PC.

2. The immediate Activities.

2.1 Propose new design of Mobile PC
2.2 Pilot productions in similar style of Ubuntu Edge campaign, but base on communities opinions and demands.

Minimum fall back of the Products which will be asked for funding in 2.2 will be.
1. Ubuntu Era 4.5: Ubuntu Edge Clone for Mainboard with 4.5” Corning Gorilla Glass, 4GB RAM, 16 GB SD, Li-Bat. Minimum fall back will be Ubuntu OS Nuxus 4 $ 400-450 x 20,000 pcs
2. Ubuntu Era 7: Ubuntu Edge Clone for Mainboard with 7” Corning Gorilla Glass, 4GB RAM, 16 GB SD, Li-Bat. Minimum fall back will be Ubuntu OS Nuxus 7 $ 300-350 x 20,000 pcs
===============
The following is "some ideas from friends" please feel free to express your ideas and concepts.
If community decide to have identical 1st UBUNTU ERA to the failed UBUNTU EDGE
then it means we would have real UBUNTU EDGE.
I will be one of the happiest member in the coop to support that too.

The first proposed Ubuntu Mobile PC called “Ubuntu ERA”
1. Open Service.
2. Open Hardware.
3. Open Source Ubuntu Touch Mobile PC OS.
4. Open Design.
-------
1. Open Service.
The Ubuntu ERA will be assembled in such a way that it can be serviced easily by DIY capable user. The Ubuntu ERA will be design as the Desk Top PC, in which you can buy them in kits or as spare parts and assembled the whole Mobile PC your self.

For example, it would comprise of a screen, a phone chassis frame & back lid, an all in one mainboard or a mainboard with Radio module or power module, a battery.
Anything went wrong with your mobile, DIY Users can borrow friends Mobile PC and swap spare parts to see which component is not working and do Internet order for spare parts.

Anyone can service them, do not depend on “Closed Service” with expensive repair charges.

2. Open Hardware. Hardware Upgradeable.
The Ubuntu ERA will have as many options as the demands (with Economy of Scale) identified. Since it is Open Service and components can be picked, changed, upgrade, and enhanced by user as new models become available or as the users ability to pay for higher priced parts. The selection process of parts should consider cloning ideas of the mass productions top brands, so spare parts would be cheap for available everywhere (mainly for the Screen and Batteries). Except the models which are clones of our own Ubuntu Edge models.

For the first proposed Mobile PC 2013 or 2014 models.

Ubuntu ERA – 16 GB storage.

Mainboard (or Motherboard), and chipset should be, “closed to”, cloned to Ubuntu Edge.
So minimum modification to Ubuntu Edge OS to Ubuntu ERA.
CPU quad core 1.2 GHz (as minimum) two price, mid speed and fastest CPU at the time.
2 GB or 4 GB RAM

2 types of mainboards ??

1st model, Ubuntu Edge Clone and/or with lower specifications, 4 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, lower grade of cammerras.

2nd model with Extra features more than Ubuntu Edge, as samples below.

Sim card 2 slots

External micro sd card 2 slots (min. capable of 64 GB if not 128 GB each slot)
REASONS 1. Cheaper model with 8 or 16 GB internal storage, definitely need more storage
2. If something wrong with internal storage, you need 2 SD cards to run unmodified Android OS, or may be for Ubuntu too, to emulate internal and external SD. If you have only 1 external SD, you have to hack the OS in order to get some programs working, and to do multi partitions on the SD, which for many are too complicated.

Micro USB 2 slots. (1st slot charging, while 2nd slot is for Keyboards or expansion)
FM Radio / TV?? 3G/4G may be with Radio module slots.

If possible we will have removable CPU/with CPU socket and RAM expansion 1 slot for upgrading and in case internal RAM Died.

Screen sizes, from 4.5”, 5', 7” or 10” should be able to use Ubuntu Edge mainboard and OS.
Option we hope it will be compatible with Samsung's screen, since cheap spare parts will be available every where.

Since we will try to have 4.5” model to be Ubuntu Edge Clone, the frame and the main board will be cloned from Ubuntu Edge, Safire Screen hopefully will be available too, it will be option for upgrade as well as standard model options.

Battery would be available in 2 models,
Ubuntu Edge clone battery, Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery,
as well as may be Samsung S4 or Samsung Note compatible Li-Ion battery.
Adapter could be possible so we can use at least 2 types of Batteries for the hand set.
And there may be 2 batteries in one mobile PC 7” to extend the hours.

3 .Open Source Ubuntu Touch Mobile PC OS.

Ubuntu touch will be the priority to use in our Mobile PC and will aim for the cloning of the Ubuntu Edge OS. Though being Linux, other Linux Distributions will follow into the Mobile PC later and we have to leave that open for future.

Because there would be many other mainboard features that Ubuntu Edge may not contain. So we may need modifications of the OS. The projects coordinator would need to negotiate with Canonical for the cost of each handset as if we are commercial firm wishing Canonical's support on the products.
We have to find out if we do these phone on non profit basis, will this issue stand.
Third-party license fees, from http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/backed-by-canonical
"Canonical has agreements in place with third parties and industry organizations to include codecs for common media formats. In addition, we manage access fees for services that provide channel listings or additional information on the content being viewed. Commercial engagements around Ubuntu devices with Canonical cover these fees and related items, such as subscriptions, royalty collection fees and regulatory broadcast fees."

Or it could also be the communities' modified Ubuntu Touch OS which will be left Open source and let each person download those codecs as in Ubuntu OS.

4. Open Design.

The Design of the Mobile PC will be open for communities.
There will be forum and web base project management, so members can vote and finally do fund raising similar style of http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ubuntu-edge.

4.1 Designs for Low Income Family and Education for Kids.

The Design should also be focusing on the low income family especially in the Third World countries.
The Mobile PC should be designed with long life cycle and low cost.
We could combine free open source OS and mass productions spare parts as the main objectives to lower the cost as much as possible, and the cheapest distribution networks, such as through co-operative connections or NGO connections as well as governments and international organizations.

Emphasis should also be put on to “Edubuntu” Mobile PC OS in these low cost Mobile PC to enhance Education for youth in Third World countries. So families' income would be wise spent on one device with multi benefit for their kids.

4.2 Design to compete with existing mobile OS in the open market.

This is the best time to launch “Ubuntu Desktop OS” to the world, through the Mobile PC device.

Windows lost the mobile battles to Android and IOS.
Windows 8 is trying to launch another war, this time with Desk Top Interface similar to Unity Ubuntu,
that have both mobile device and desktop interface to be the same.
But you need to buy 2 device or 3 device and of course 2-3 software licenses to use Windows 8.

It is only our Ubuntu Mobile PC is aiming to be “One Device Do Them All” for communities,
multi tasks mobile phone, notebook and even Desktop PC, multi devices in one, and free software licenses.

Samsung has successful sales by using strategy many models in every segment of the Markets.
We should follow similar strategy, have lower end and mid range prices to introduce Ubuntu Mobile PC.
And leave the top range to Ubuntu Edge.

***********
It may be possible to put all the effort to use Ubuntu Touch on Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 as Canonical has started but not finish yet. And help promoting sales using them as the first generation of Ubuntu Mobile PC for the time being until first Ubuntu ERA is born or before the Ubuntu Edge production in 2014 (which I still have hope after the failed campaign it may be revived by Canonical)
Could we agree to buy Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 quad core with “Ubuntu Edge OS/Android” installed from the factory?
May be Canonical can help negotiate that for our co-operative to get the first product launch.
And we use these models to start selling for “Pre Ubuntu ERA Sale Campaign.
As well as to start testing public response to the Ubuntu Touch in the field.

With 10,000 – 20,000 of orders, $300-400 each, from Ubuntu co-operative may achieved that and would stimulate to other players to really take on Ubuntu Touch OS to their future mobile phone,
and may possible to raise 3-6 million dollars.
*********

4.3 Open for Green Environment.
The objectives of the Open Design should also being GREEN, as mobile industry is polluting our environment to a very great extent, with many millions of phone thrown out each year.
We should produce long life product cycles. And we should make this GREEN Philosophy stay behind any propose project as much as we can.
,
4.4 Design for particular interest group.
Disability must also be part of the first special Ubuntu Mobile PC,
for example for the blind, and voice command orientated OS.

4.5 Design for Entertainment.
Special specifications for Ubuntu ERA Stream. With special select best Graphic Display for gaming Mobile PC. Or special sound quality for Ubuntu ERA Sound Blaster.
Or Ubuntu ERA TV with built in TV tuner.

Open design to communities and let them show the demands they want and help to get those productions for them
Please express your opinions here, or create new thread or do what ever you could,
to help making community driven Mobile PC Cooperative come true.

[Baba-Juju]

Just brainstorming,
If some one has the energy, time and really wants to give the Ubuntu Edge ( or similar like this thread) a go.

http://www.earlyshares.com/
This site is slightly different than Indiegogo and kickstarter. There are 3 stakeholders. The owner (or management team), backers (consider them pledgers) and investors (they want equity). The management team is key and hopefully canonical could be included. The platform to achieve our objective is available. We only need to mobilise the stakeholders.

[Baba-Juju]

The above Ubuntu MoblilePC Co-operative (1 First Draft) concept needs to be updated after the indiegogo campaign failing. There is stilll a lot of interest and mobilisation can start.

I really want my Ubuntu Edge! Let's see where this takes us.

[3rdalbum]

The above Ubuntu MoblilePC Co-operative (1 First Draft) concept needs to be updated after the indiegogo campaign failing. There is stilll a lot of interest and mobilisation can start.

Except that the OP doesn't have any of the required knowledge or skills to even start such an effort. That's probably a big reason why nobody replied.

Besides, Ubuntu phones are coming next year anyway.

[Baba-Juju]

I have been watching the tech news and I know that the Ubuntu phone is coming. Thanks for the update.

The Indiegogo campaign was a smart move by Canonical but I am not looking for an Ubuntu phone only. I also want the hardware and convergence. The more open source the better. The fairphone/OSOP/HTC or any other exisiting manufacturer could take the idea over. If not, that means that we need to take our objective into our own hands. All business have to start somehwere. First you need to mobilise a team. Find like-minded professionals that will be able to stear this idea into the right direction. Knowledge and skills can be found. That's why partnerships exist. We need entrepeneurial spirits that want to continue Mark S. idea " -- to provide a low-volume, high-technology platform, crowdfunded by enthusiasts and mobile computing professionals. A pioneering project that accelerates the adoption of new technologies and drives them down into the mainstream."

The Co-op above is a conceptual idea. Business is all about an idea, demand and figuring out the supply chain. Together, using the Ubuntu spirit, we can assemble a credible team that will be able to continue the idea behind the Ubuntu edge. 12M raised is not small money especially if you look at: raised in 1 month, bad timing (summer EU holidays), no real marketing campaign (90% of marketing was based on crowdsourcing and the Ubuntu end users). Many lessons can be learned from the indiegogo Canonical campaign.

Another important industry changing reality is http://agbeat.com/finance/sec-lifts-...funding-sites/
“Historically, entrepreneurs and small business owners have been prohibited from advertising their need for capital beyond their personal networks. This presented a huge challenge. How can you raise money if you can’t tell anyone that you need money? With this ruling, advertising will be permitted, eliminating a major barrier to raising capital from accredited investors.” Note: Regulation D offerings are currently available on the website, but they are limited to accredited investors only. Equity Crowdfunding offerings will not be available until the SEC finalizes the rules to regulate that offering type. With the recent implementation of the final version of some JOBS Act rules in July of this year, the Equity Crowdfunding industry is optimistic that the rules for Equity Crowdfunding will be finalized before year’s end. When those rules are finalized every American will be able to invest regardless of their income.

This new reality means we are able to go beyond what Indiegogo and kickstarter offer - We can also add equity into the mix. IF we leave up to the big companies they will produce this phone and add profit to the price. So having a middle man/company (a very greedy one) will increase costs. A nice idea on how much it costs to build a smartphone http://gizmodo.com/5714618/how-much-...tive-breakdown.

I don't have all the answer but I am willing to try and hopefully inspire.

[EraCoop]

I leave the first draft as history records.
--------------------

Ubuntu MoblilePC Co-operative. (1 First Draft)

1. The Objectives.

1.1 To be run by Ubuntu Community to promote of the new Ubuntu Mobile PC.
1.2 To be leading Mobile PC designer and seller of the new Ubuntu/Android/Linux Mobile PC.

2. The immediate Activities.

2.1 Propose new design of Mobile PC and Pilot productions in similar style of Ubuntu Edge campaign, but base on communities opinions and demands.

2.2 Propose new fund raising campaigns in parallel and in full support to Ubuntu Edge Campaign.

2.3 All fundings that may happen during August 2013 from 2.2, will be used to buy Ubuntu Edge at 30th August 2013,
if the funding in Ubuntu Edge campaign cannot reach the goal of $32M, in order to fully support Ubuntu Edge Campaign as priority.

If the contribution result in helping the fund to be successful and will have to be left in that Ubuntu Edge Campaign.
The Ubuntu MobilePC Co-op will start selling the stocks of those purchased Ubuntu Edge Mobile PCs to members of the co-op according to the following priorities.
A. Members who has purchased any Perks in Ubuntu Edge Campaign according to earlier dates they Purchase.
B. Members who Join the Ubuntu Co-op according to the date they join.
The numbers of Ubuntu Edge Mobile PCs will be up to the fund we raised and transfer to Ubuntu Edge Campaign. And we have to wait for the fund to be returned from these sales before we can proceed further with the original Ubuntu MobilePC Co-op orders.

Minimum fall back of the Products which will be asked for funding in 2.2 will be.

1. Ubuntu Era 4.5: Ubuntu Edge Clone for Mainboard with 4.5” Corning Gorilla Glass, 4GB RAM, 16 GB SD, Li-Bat. Minimum fall back will be Ubuntu OS Nuxus 4 $ 400-450 x 20,000 pcs
2. Ubuntu Era 7: Ubuntu Edge Clone for Mainboard with 7” Corning Gorilla Glass, 4GB RAM, 16 GB SD, Li-Bat. Minimum fall back will be Ubuntu OS Nuxus 7 $ 300-350 x 20,000 pcs
===============

The first proposed Ubuntu Mobile PC called “Ubuntu ERA”
1. Open Service.
2. Open Hardware.
3. Open Source Ubuntu Touch Mobile PC OS.
4. Open Design.
-------
1. Open Service.
The Ubuntu ERA will be assembled in such a way that it can be serviced easily by DIY capable user. The Ubuntu ERA will be design as the Desk Top PC, in which you can buy them in kits or as spare parts and assembled the whole Mobile PC your self.

For example, it would comprise of a screen, a phone chassis frame & back lid, an all in one mainboard or a mainboard with Radio module or power module, a battery.
Anything went wrong with your mobile, DIY Users can borrow friends Mobile PC and swap spare parts to see which component is not working and do Internet order for spare parts.

Anyone can service them, do not depend on “Closed Service” with expensive repair charges.

2. Open Hardware. Hardware Upgradeable.
The Ubuntu ERA will have as many options as the demands (with Economy of Scale) identified. Since it is Open Service and components can be picked, changed, upgrade, and enhanced by user as new models become available or as the users ability to pay for higher priced parts. The selection process of parts should consider cloning ideas of the mass productions top brands, so spare parts would be cheap for available everywhere (mainly for the Screen and Batteries). Except the models which are clones of our own Ubuntu Edge models.

For the first proposed Mobile PC 2013 models.

Ubuntu ERA – 16 GB storage.

Mainboard (or Motherboard), and chipset should be, “closed to”, cloned to Ubuntu Edge.
So minimum modification to Ubuntu Edge OS to Ubuntu ERA.
CPU quad core 1.2 GHz (as minimum) two price, mid speed and fastest CPU at the time.
2 GB or 4 GB RAM

2 types of mainboards ??

1st model, Ubuntu Edge Clone and/or with lower specifications, 4 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, lower grade of cammerras.

2nd model with Extra features more than Ubuntu Edge, as samples below.

Sim card 2 slots

External micro sd card 2 slots (min. capable of 64 GB if not 128 GB each slot)
REASONS 1. Cheaper model with 8 or 16 GB internal storage, definitely need more storage
2. If something wrong with internal storage, you need 2 SD cards to run unmodified Android OS, or may be for Ubuntu too, to emulate internal and external SD. If you have only 1 external SD, you have to hack the OS in order to get some programs working, and to do multi partitions on the SD, which for many are too complicated.

Micro USB 2 slots. (1st slot charging, while 2nd slot is for Keyboards or expansion)
FM Radio / TV?? 3G/4G may be with Radio module slots.

If possible we will have removable CPU/with CPU socket and RAM expansion 1 slot for upgrading and in case internal RAM Died.

Screen sizes, from 4.5”, 5', 7” or 10” should be able to use Ubuntu Edge mainboard and OS.
Option we hope it will be compatible with Samsung's screen, since cheap spare parts will be available every where.

Since we will try to have 4.5” model to be Ubuntu Edge Clone, the frame and the main board will be cloned from Ubuntu Edge, Safire Screen hopefully will be available too, it will be option for upgrade as well as standard model options.

Battery would be available in 2 models,
Ubuntu Edge clone battery, Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery,
as well as may be Samsung S4 or Samsung Note compatible Li-Ion battery.
Adapter could be possible so we can use at least 2 types of Batteries for the hand set.
And there may be 2 batteries in one mobile PC 7” to extend the hours.

3 .Open Source Ubuntu Touch Mobile PC OS.

Ubuntu touch will be the priority to use in our Mobile PC and will aim for the cloning of the Ubuntu Edge OS. Though being Linux, other Linux Distributions will follow into the Mobile PC later and we have to leave that open for future.

Because there would be many other mainboard features that Ubuntu Edge may not contain. So we may need modifications of the OS. The projects coordinator would need to negotiate with Canonical for the cost of each handset as if we are commercial firm wishing Canonical's support on the products.
We have to find out if we do these phone on non profit basis, will this issue stand.
Third-party license fees, from http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/backed-by-canonical
"Canonical has agreements in place with third parties and industry organizations to include codecs for common media formats. In addition, we manage access fees for services that provide channel listings or additional information on the content being viewed. Commercial engagements around Ubuntu devices with Canonical cover these fees and related items, such as subscriptions, royalty collection fees and regulatory broadcast fees."

Or it could also be the communities' modified Ubuntu Touch OS which will be left Open source and let each person download those codecs as in Ubuntu OS.

4. Open Design.

The Design of the Mobile PC will be open for communities.
There will be forum and web base project management, so members can vote and finally do fund raising similar style of http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ubuntu-edge.

4.1 Designs for Low Income Family and Education for Kids.

The Design should also be focusing on the low income family especially in the Third World countries.
The Mobile PC should be designed with long life cycle and low cost.
We could combine free open source OS and mass productions spare parts as the main objectives to lower the cost as much as possible, and the cheapest distribution networks, such as through co-operative connections or NGO connections as well as governments and international organizations.

Emphasis should also be put on to “Edubuntu” Mobile PC OS in these low cost Mobile PC to enhance Education for youth in Third World countries. So families' income would be wise spent on one device with multi benefit for their kids.

4.2 Design to compete with existing mobile OS in the open market.

This is the best time to launch “Ubuntu Desktop OS” to the world, through the Mobile PC device.

Windows lost the mobile battles to Android and IOS.
Windows 8 is trying to launch another war, this time with Desk Top Interface similar to Unity Ubuntu,
that have both mobile device and desktop interface to be the same.
But you need to buy 2 device or 3 device and of course 2-3 software licenses to use Windows 8.

It is only our Ubuntu Mobile PC is aiming to be “One Device Do Them All” for communities,
multi tasks mobile phone, notebook and even Desktop PC, multi devices in one, and free software licenses.

Samsung has successful sales by using strategy many models in every segment of the Markets.
We should follow similar strategy, have lower end and mid range prices to introduce Ubuntu Mobile PC.
And leave the top range to Ubuntu Edge.

***********
It may be possible to put all the effort to use Ubuntu Touch on Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 as Canonical has started but not finish yet. And help promoting sales using them as the first generation of Ubuntu Mobile PC for the time being until first Ubuntu ERA is born or before the Ubuntu Edge production in May 2014.
Could we agree to buy Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 quad core with “Ubuntu Edge OS/Android” installed from the factory?
May be Canonical can help negotiate that for our co-operative to get the first product launch.
And we use these models to start selling for “Pre Ubuntu ERA Sale Campaign to help raising fund for Ubuntu EDGE (as in No.2.2. and No.2.3.). As well as to start testing public response to the Ubuntu Touch in the field.

With 10,000 – 20,000 of orders, $300-400 each, from Ubuntu co-operative may achieved that and would stimulate to other players to really take on Ubuntu Touch OS to their future mobile phone,
and may possible to raise 3-6 million dollars.
*********

4.3 Open for Green Environment.
The objectives of the Open Design should also being GREEN, as mobile industry is polluting our environment to a very great extent, with many millions of phone thrown out each year.
We should produce long life product cycles. And we should make this GREEN Philosophy stay behind any propose project as much as we can.
,
4.4 Design for particular interest group.
Disability must also be part of the first special Ubuntu Mobile PC,
for example for the blind, and voice command orientated OS.

4.5 Design for Entertainment.
Special specifications for Ubuntu ERA Stream. With special select best Graphic Display for gaming Mobile PC. Or special sound quality for Ubuntu ERA Sound Blaster.
Or Ubuntu ERA TV with built in TV tuner.

Open design to communities and let them show the demands they want and help to get those productions for them