What’s new with Ubuntu?

Ubuntu 12.10, known as Quantal Questzal, will be releasing on 18 October 2012, but what can we expect from the forthcoming version?

Jeremy Proome

July 28, 2012

One of Linux’s most popular distros, Ubuntu, will be getting some new UI and web integration with its latest version, Ubuntu 12.10.

In a recent presentation at Oscon 2012, founder Mark Shuttleworth said that Linux now comes pre-installed on five percent of PCs globally.

With regards to the next version, 12.10, Shuttleworth mentioned that the next iteration would offer font, search and menu innovations.

Searching in the new HUD will bring up command suggestions, to make a “super productive interface” for users, according to Shuttleworth.

The upcoming version will also feature Ubuntu Web Apps, which allow the running of web applications directly from the desktop without opening a browser.

“12.10 is going to be awesome,” Shuttleworth told a crowd at Oscon 2012. “We leapt ahead of the competition in interesting ways, but there’s still some core things for us to do, and one of those is figuring out how we’re going to embrace the web.”

Ubuntu 12.10 will be available on 18 October 2012.

Ubuntu 12.04 Long-Term Support (Precise Pangolin)

The current version of Ubuntu, 12.04, also features a number of improvements over its predecessor.

A new HUD (Heads-up Display) provides a menu-based system in which to execute commands.

The Video Lens feature searches the computer and online for any videos relevant to the search term.

Ubuntu Software Centre gives access to thousands of apps, where users can see top-rated apps, compare apps, and share installed apps between multiple Ubuntu computers.