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...
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