Ubuntu Edge, a dual-system phone equipped with Android and the mobile version of Ubuntu, is more importantly a super mobile device aiming to integrate phones and PCs. The company behind Ubuntu Edge, Canonical, set a crowdfunding goal of $32 million, but so far has only raised a quarter of the funds. Why is this dreamy device struggling to come to fruition?
Looking back at Canonical's promises, it was merely a dual system with the fastest multi-core processor, plus the ability to drive a desktop operating system. Is that enticing? Of course. But would you be willing to shell out $800 without any physical product or reviews to refer to?
Currently, Ubuntu Edge has raised less than $8.6 million, with only 13 days left until the project ends on August 21st, leaving a shortfall of nearly three-quarters. However, as the largest crowdfunding effort in history—previously held by Pebble—it's still too early to predict the final outcome. Many successful projects often have strong pushes at the beginning and end stages, but considering that Ubuntu Edge hasn't even reached one-third of its goal, a miracle would need to happen. So, what went wrong?
1. Ubuntu doesn't have a large enough potential market.
Linux holds about a 1% share of the global operating system market, and Ubuntu is just one branch of it.
2. The goal was too ambitious.
$32 million in a month was too short a time frame.
3. Fierce competition.
The timing of Edge's fundraising coincided with the release of various flagship models, leading to many observers waiting on the sidelines and causing a分流of attention. The market is nearing saturation.
4. Vague specifications.
"We will choose the fastest multi-core processor available on the market, with at least 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage." There are too many uncertainties here, and Canonical hasn't even selected component suppliers yet.
5. Shipping time.
May 2014 is too far away for a phone. While they do need that time to prepare carefully, how can consumers wait that long?
6. Waiting game.
If this device successfully raises funds and launches, I can certainly buy it at some point later. Conversely, if it fails, it wouldn't waste my time.
Finally, there’s another piece of bad news: "If we don't reach our funding goal, there won't be an Ubuntu Edge," said Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Canonical.