ubuntu-phone team mailing list archive

[Michael Hildebrandt <odembuba@xxxxxx>]

Ubuntu Touch aims among others at integrating core system functions into 
System Settings menus rather than relying on external apps. So far, a 
"VPN" menu was added to System Settings rendering installation of a 
respective app redundant.

However, considering that a smartphone comes with a webcam, a GPS device 
and functions as a fully-fledged media-center, a lot more functions 
could be integrated into System Settings and thus enable a smartphone to 
interact with external devices more extensively respectively act as 
substitute device without the need of installing additonal apps.

Adding a "Webcam" menu into System Settings replacing the function of 
the "IP Webcam" app would enable the smartphone to act as a stand-alone 
webcam to other devices. Using the "prepare-video-chat" script by 
bluezio (github.com/bluezio/ipwebcam-gst) for Linux PC provides an easy 
way to realize this with Ubuntu Touch smartphones without having to 
install an app like "IP Webcam".

In the same manner a smartphone could function as a substitute of an 
external GPS device. A "GPS" menu could replace the "ShareGPS" app by 
jillybunch. For Linux PCs, the appropriate script "adb_gps_usb" is 
already available at sharegps.jillybunch.com/user_linux.html.

Also, a "Media Control" menu in System Settings could serve as a center 
to control and direct audio/video input-output options.                 
                                            As far as video output is 
concerned, Stuart Langridge of Kryogenix.org has done some fine work to 
redirect the screen display of a smartphone to an external display using 
mirscreencast and the standard USB connection rather than depending on 
adapters when using MHL/SlimPort/Miracast.                          The 
audio output options could also be created more flexible by including 
the phone ear-piece as an "audio-out" option. Listening to audio files 
in a noisy environment using the phone ear-piece seems to me more 
convenient than using the built-in loudspeaker - particularly since a 
headset is not always handy when traveling.

Last but not least, a "VoIP-wifi-fon" menu in System Settings could 
provide an easy way to connect the smartphone to the home router and use 
it as a cordless phone at home without having to install an app like 
CSipSimple which is, like all apps discussed above, not yet available 
for Ubuntu Touch.

Using Ubuntu Touch, one is quite often asked for the reason. Given the 
lack of a broad choice of apps, it is hard to convince people to switch. 
An extensive System Settings menu which turns an Ubuntu Touch smartphone 
into a versatile device without having to find and install a whole range 
of apps would sure be a strong "sales" argument in favor of talking 
people into switching to Ubuntu Touch...