Canonical’s Ubuntu Edge crowdfunded project to develop a cutting edge smartphone powered by its own Ubuntu operating system (with dual-booting to Android) may not meet its target of raising US$32 million by August 21st. After a quick start that saw it raise US$2 million in the first 8 hours, the rate of donations has slowed to the point where it may not meet its target within the allotted time period. Today, it cut the price of the Ubuntu Edge in a bid to get its campaign back in gear.
When the campaign first launched, the Ubuntu Edge was available for US$600 in limited quantities. That donation tier quickly sold out and the price rose, all the way to US$780 in additional funding tiers. Today, the company reduced the price to US$695, the price at which it will offer the Ubuntu Edge for the remaining 14 days of the campaign. Backers who pledged a higher amount will be refunded the difference should the project meets its financial goal.
The campaign also got a bit of a boost yesterday when Bloomberg signed on as its first corporate backer. The company pledged US$80,000 for one of the Enterprise 100 perks which includes 100 Ubuntu Edge devices and a range of support services.
“Bloomberg supports open innovation and initiatives, such as Ubuntu Edge, that align with our software development and business priorities,” said Shawn Edwards, Chief Technology Officer at Bloomberg LP. “With this investment, Bloomberg developers will contribute to an open technology initiative that could benefit our clients and have a powerful impact on the future of mobile computing.”
Whether the two moves are enough remains to be seen. With 14 days to go, Canonical has raised just over US$8.6 million out of its US$32,000,000 goal.
Sources : Indiegogo // Ubuntu Insights