Ubuntu Natty edges closer
The countdown to the next major Ubuntu release, Natty Narwhal, has begun. Also known as Ubuntu 11.04, Natty is scheduled for release on April 28 and a second alpha test release was made available earlier this month.
The first beta release of Ubuntu Natty is expected at the end of March, but already the test releases are giving an impression of what users can expect from the new Ubuntu release in April.
Ubuntu Natty is expected to be slightly different to previous releases in that it will implement a number of significantly different features. Previous releases tended to evolve into new places while Natty is throwing out a lot of older technology and putting in a lot of new features.
Unity
The most obvious change will be the Unity desktop interface which will replace the older Gnome2 interface in the default setup. The Unity interface is derived from Canonical’s netbook release and completely changes the way that users interact with their systems.
Originally Ubuntu was planning on shipping Gnome 3.0, itself a major overhaul, but delays in that project have forced Ubuntu to choose a different path.
The new desktop direction won’t immediately appeal to many users as it is more than just a simple spruce-up with a few new icons. Users will have to spend some time with the new desktop before making their minds up.
Canonical is hoping that the Unity interface will give Ubuntu a distinct and unique position in the market for desktop Linux which is mostly dominated by Gnome and KDE desktop environments.
Graphics rendering
Under the desktop Natty will also use a new graphics system for rendering visuals. The new Wayland graphics system will replace the ageing X Window system which is now decades old. Old timers aren’t thrilled at this change but most agree that the X Window system, which was developed in a time that preceded full-featured desktop environments, is showing signs of age. The hope is that the Wayland graphics system will offer users a slimmer, leaner and yet more graphically pleasing desktop experience.
Touchscreens
Also new in the Natty release will be the start of a new gesture-based input system. Canonical has been working on a new touch-interface for its netbook edition for some time now and the first signs of this will be in Natty. With the popularity of tablet PCs and other touch-enabled devices, this input system could become a key part of Ubuntu’s future.
Mobile
Also on Canonical’s agenda with Natty is a better mobile version of Ubuntu. Canonical is one of the partners in Linaro, a multi-organisation project to co-ordinate and improve Linux on mobile devices. Canonical and Linaro have been working closely together during the Natty development process and an ARM-based version of Natty for mobile devices is planned for release.
ARM processors are an increasingly important part of consumer technology as they are being used to power everything from mobile phones to tablet PCs. Most other software makers are still planning ARM-based releases of their operating systems and Canonical is hoping to lead the way. The company is hoping that having gesture input, an interface optimised for small screens and support for ARM systems will make Ubuntu an appealing option for tablet PC makers.
3D
Natty will also include a 3D version of its desktop environment, but users will be able to choose between a 2D and a 3D interface. The move towards 3D is unsurprising given 3D’s current hype in every market from cellphones to televisions.
Users will need reasonably powerful PCs to take advantage of the 3D option which will be based on Open GL. The changes are not expected to be radical but will, according to developers, simply add a richer set of interface features. These will be integrated with Compiz, the window manager, to create some new functionality.
Ubuntu Natty Narwhal is scheduled for release on April 28, 2011.
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