Nexus 7 Gets Ubuntu Linux [How to Install]
Nexus 7 Google

Google unveiled its new Nexus 7 tablet at Google I/O 2012. The device is said to have the ability to be radically customised in different ways such as changing the keyboard, default browser, launcher or shifting to a new custom ROM. In addition to the aforementioned abilities of Nexus 7, it is also possible to install a different operating system.

Yes, it is now possible to install Ubuntu based on Linux on Nexus 7 after unlocking the bootloader.

The Google Nexus will be the first device to run the latest version of Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system. It is powered by the Nividia Tegra 3 chipset with 1.3GHz quad-core processor and ships 1GB of RAM.

Users looking to install Ubuntu on Nexus 7 may go through the instructions below but IBTimes UK will not be held responsible for any damage to the devices during the installation process.

Pre-requisites:

  • Nexus 7 with an unlocked bootloader
  • Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin on your computer
  • Ubuntu Nexus 7 Installer

Before proceeding, unlock the bootloader of Nexus 7 using the all-in-one Nexus 7 root toolkit. Root the device and flash the ClockworkMod recovery.

  • Launch Ubuntu's Terminal app and enter the following commands

Sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-nexus7-installer

Sudo apt-get-update

Sudo apt-get install ubuntu-nexus7-installer

  • Connect the Nexus 7 to your computer using a USB cable
  • Boot into fastboot mode
  • Turn off the tablet, while keep holding Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons until you see the Android mascot
  • Make sure no other USB devices are connected to the computer
  • Locate Ubuntu Nexus 7 Installer from the Ubuntu dashboard. Launch the Installer and follow the onscreen instructions
  • Installation may consume more than 20 minutes. After installing, the device will run Ubuntu after a reboot

Congrats... you have successfully installed Ubuntu on your Nexus 7.

[Source: Redmond Pie]

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