The Aquaris M10 Ubuntu tablet’s big feature is one that trumps Microsoft’s Continuum

By Andy Boxall Published February 4, 2016

The Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition is the first tablet to feature Canonical’s converged computing experience, and it has been officially announced slightly ahead of the rumored schedule. We were expecting the tablet to come during Mobile World Congress, but instead manufacturer BQ has confirmed it’ll be on sale before the summer.

BQ’s Aquaris M10 tablet comes with the latest version of Ubuntu software installed, and provides a best-of-both-worlds experience, in that it’ll act like a mobile device when you want it to, then change up to a more capable PC experience when it’s time for work or more intensive tasks. Ubuntu says this is unique to its software, and tells us that when you plug the tablet into a monitor, it’s a proper PC experience, not a slightly expanded mobile one. A dig at Microsoft’s similar Continuum software seen on its Windows 10 smartphones.

Recommended Videos

The mobile side is taken care of using Scopes, the control method seen on Ubuntu’s smartphones. We tried it out on the Meizu MX4 and found it to be an interesting alternative to traditional home screens or pages full of apps. It’s replicated on the Aquaris M10, and comes wit a new split-screen feature called Side Stage. Alternatively, connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to the tablet, link it to a monitor, and you get the full Ubuntu PC system.

Even without the monitor, the 10.1-inch tablet will show both versions of the OS, and apps will adapt according to screen size or control method, just like a responsive website. Apps are downloaded from Ubuntu’s app store. The tablet’s screen has a 1080p resolution, a MediaTek quad-core processor provides the power, and a large 7280mAh battery takes care of the energy. There’s 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage space, a MicroSD card slot, and an 8-megapixel rear camera too.

BQ, a European hardware manufacturer that has produced Ubuntu-powered smartphones already, hasn’t announced the price for the Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition, but it will be sold globally through Ubuntu’s own website. We’ll update here when more details emerge.

Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

Topics

Mobile

Cost-cutting strips Pixel 9a of the best Gemini AI features in Pixel 9

Person holds Pixel 9a in hand while sitting in a car.

The Pixel 9a has been officially revealed, and while it's an eye candy, there are some visible cutbacks over the more premium Pixel 9 and 9 Pro series phones. The other cutbacks we don't see include lower RAM than the Pixel 9 phones, which can limit the new mid-ranger's ability to run AI applications, despite running the same Tensor G4 chipset.

Google's decision to limit the RAM to 8GB, compared to the 12GB on the more premium Pixel 9 phones, sacrifices its ability to run certain AI tasks locally. ArsTechnica has reported that as a result of the cost-cutting, Pixel 9a runs an "extra extra small" or XXS variant -- instead of the "extra small" variant on Pixel 9 -- of the Gemini Nano 1.0 model that drives on-device AI functions.

Mobile

Does the Google Pixel 9a come with a charger? Here’s what’s in the box

A woman holding a purple Google Pixel 9a.

After much speculation in recent months, the Google Pixel 9a has finally been announced. Google's Pixel A series is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable Android smartphone at a lower price point, and the latest model follows this trend. While it is undeniably part of the Google Pixel 9 series, it has fewer features than its higher-end counterparts.

One question you might have when considering the Pixel 9a is whether it comes with a charger. We’ve got the answer
The Pixel 9a does not come with a charger.
The short answer is that the Pixel 9a does not have a charger. This has become common practice for most smartphones today, including other models in the Pixel 9 series, like the Pixel 9 Pro. While this may be disappointing, it's not surprising.

Mobile

Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: should you upgrade?

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a.

Google has released a new budget phone, the Pixel 9a. How does it compare to its predecessor, the Pixel 8a? We've got the answers, and the changes are significant in some ways. In others, not so much. If you have a Pixel 8a and are considering upgrading, read this first.
Google Pixel 9a: vs. Google Pixel 8a: specs

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 8a