TechSource: How to Make Your Android Phone Look Like Ubuntu Phone

How to Make Your Android Phone Look Like Ubuntu Phone

Posted: 16 Apr 2013 06:52 AM PDT

We've already talked a lot about the Ubuntu phone OS in our previous articles HERE and HERE. The open-source OS designed for medium-end phones is a beautiful work in progress. Though criticized for not having many apps and lacking manufacturer support, Ubuntu Phone OS still is one of the most beautifully designed operating systems around. I think it is even better than Android and iOS in terms of look and feel.

With slick menus and swipe-navigation features, the Ubuntu Phone OS puts heavy focus on providing a solid user experience. One of the most prominent features is its Unity desktop-like sidebar that lets you access all your favorite apps with just one finger. While other operating systems make you long press or press buttons to multitask, switching between apps is a breeze on Ubuntu OS. However, as enviable as the features are, Android users are a bit hesitant to try it out on their smartphones, especially since it's still a work in progress. Thankfully, though, you can get the best of the Ubuntu Phone OS features right now by installing a few apps on your Android smartphone.

Wallpaper

Ubuntu Live Wallpaper Beta is a free application that puts the gorgeous-looking Ubuntu live wallpaper onto your lock screen. The app, once installed, integrates perfectly with your system background and shows a background just like the one you see on Ubuntu's lock screen. The app shows a beautiful-yet-functional circle at the center surrounded by an aubergine gradient. In the circle you'll see the current date and time. What's more, the application also lets you show battery stats on the wallpaper itself.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Lock Screen

If you are a GO launcher user, this application will give you a good taste of how Ubuntu Phone OS looks. The app comes with support for Ubuntu Phone OS wallpaper, the animated circle, digital clock, and lock screen, which are enough to make your smartphone look like a complete Ubuntu-phone clone. To install the app though you'll need the latest version of Go Launcher EX and, of course, the app itself. Once that is done, you'll have to open Go Launcher and choose the theme from the menu.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Sidebar

If making your smartphone look like Ubuntu Phone OS wasn't enough, you can try making it work or function like Ubuntu Phone. Glovebox is a free application that lets you have the apps sidebar feature just like the one in Ubuntu Phone OS. Once installed, you will be able to switch between different applications just by swiping your fingers from the left. The app also lets you personalize the applications in your sidebar thus giving you more control over the look and feel of your Android smartphone. That said, the application doesn't give you a complete Ubuntu-like look to the sidebar. So, if you are not too concerned about making a complete or consistent Ubuntu clone, I think this app is more than great for you.