Post #1444961
2026-04-17 04:50 UTC
stupid question:
What is the actual obstacle to being able to run Linux on a cellphone (i.e., and be able to use it as a cellphone)?
Is there some crucial interop spec that's being kept proprietary/secret?
Or is it there some particular software component that's encumbered by patents and so there can't be a free version of it?
Some weird licensing structure that the operating companies have been able to enforce (and the EU hasn't gotten around to saying, "Fuck you guys; open this up")?
(I'm assuming there's *some* reason Ubuntu didn't do this years ago...)
Replies (4)
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@moira@mastodon.murkworks.net 2026-04-17 19:10
@wrog ...I thought they did? https://www.ubuntu-touch.io/ There's a phone icon on the first page so I _thought_ it works as a phone, is it like some VoiP app instead?
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@tk@f.kawa-kun.com 2026-04-17 19:11
@wrog I think the main problem is the hardware and firmware used to interface to the cellular network. "Trade secrets" and all. :/
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@jeremy_list@hachyderm.io 2026-04-17 20:41
@wrog There was one: OpenMoko Freerunner.
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@pjz@indieweb.social 2026-04-20 17:42
@wrog Technically possible, but app ecosystems impose a network effect that makes it socially/functionally difficult. See projects at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open-source_mobile_phones