Unboxing the Software: A Guide to Volla Phone’s Ubuntu Touch Apps
Choosing a phone is about more than just hardware; it’s about the entire software experience. For those venturing into the world of alternative mobile operating systems, the Volla Phone with Ubuntu Touch offers a refreshing, privacy-centric alternative to the mainstream. But what can you expect right out of the box?
The core appeal of Ubuntu Touch is its focus on privacy, security, and an open-source foundation. This philosophy is reflected in its suite of default applications. Let’s take a deep dive into the essential apps that come pre-installed, giving you a clear picture of your day-one experience.
Core Communication Tools
From the moment you power on the device, you have a capable set of tools for staying in touch.
- Phone & Contacts: The dialer and contacts apps are clean, straightforward, and efficient. They integrate seamlessly, allowing you to manage your calls, view call history, and organize your contacts without any unnecessary clutter. The interface is intuitive, focusing on core functionality rather than overwhelming users with features they may never use.
- Messaging: Ubuntu Touch features a native messaging app for handling SMS and MMS. A key highlight is its integration with other services. For instance, Teleports, the native Telegram client, is included by default, offering a secure and feature-rich messaging experience without relying on a web wrapper.
- Email (Dekko 2): For many, a powerful email client is non-negotiable. Dekko 2 is the default email app, providing a robust experience. It supports multiple accounts, IMAP and POP3 protocols, and offers a clean, multi-pane view that makes managing your inbox on the go surprisingly easy.
Browsing the Web with Privacy in Mind
Your window to the internet is a critical part of any smartphone, and Ubuntu Touch delivers with a browser built on its core principles.
- Morph Browser: This is the default web browser for Ubuntu Touch. Built on the Qt WebEngine, Morph offers a modern and capable browsing experience. Key features include tabbed browsing, private mode, and desktop mode for viewing full versions of websites. Most importantly, it’s designed to protect your privacy, avoiding the extensive tracking found in many mainstream mobile browsers. It effectively blocks trackers and ads by default, providing a cleaner and more secure way to navigate the web.
Productivity and Daily Utilities
Beyond communication, a smartphone needs to be a reliable daily assistant. The Volla Phone comes equipped with a suite of essential utilities to keep you organized and productive.
- Calendar: A clean and functional calendar app that handles your events and scheduling needs. It supports syncing with online accounts via CalDAV, allowing you to integrate with services like Nextcloud or other compatible platforms.
- Clock, Weather & Calculator: These essential utilities are exactly what you’d expect: reliable and easy to use. The weather app provides forecasts, while the clock handles alarms, a stopwatch, and a timer.
- File Manager: A powerful file manager is crucial, especially for users coming from a Linux background. The default app provides full access to your device’s file system, allowing you to easily manage documents, downloads, and media.
- Terminal: For power users, the inclusion of a native Terminal app is a significant advantage. This provides direct command-line access to the underlying Linux system, offering unparalleled control and customization options for those who know how to use it.
Media and Content
- Camera: The camera app provides a simple interface for capturing photos and videos. While it may not have all the complex modes of flagship Android or iOS devices, it focuses on being a reliable tool for point-and-shoot photography. Settings for resolution, grid lines, and timers are easily accessible.
- Gallery: The gallery app is a clean and simple way to view, organize, and manage your photos and videos. It loads quickly and presents your media in a straightforward, chronological grid.
Expanding Your App Ecosystem: The OpenStore
While the default apps provide a solid foundation, your software journey doesn’t end there. Ubuntu Touch has its own app marketplace called the OpenStore. Here, you can find a growing collection of native apps and web apps developed by the community. It’s the primary place to discover new games, utilities, and tools to customize your Volla Phone experience.
Tips for a Secure Experience
The Ubuntu Touch platform is inherently designed for security, but you can take a few steps to harden it further.
- Always Install System Updates: The UBports Foundation regularly releases updates that include security patches and feature improvements. Always apply these updates promptly through the System Settings app.
- Review App Permissions: Just like on other platforms, apps in the OpenStore will request permissions. Be mindful of what you grant and ensure an app’s requests are relevant to its function.
- Use a Strong Passcode: Protect your device with a secure lock code or password to prevent unauthorized physical access.
In conclusion, the Volla Phone running Ubuntu Touch provides a comprehensive and functional suite of default applications right out of the box. The experience is intentionally streamlined, prioritizing privacy, security, and user control over data-hungry features. For anyone seeking a viable and respectful alternative to the mainstream mobile duopoly, this curated app experience offers a powerful and promising start.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/volla-phone-quintus-running-ubuntu-touch-pre-installed-apps/
