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Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin review

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

With roughly 98 percent of the desktop and laptop market spoken for, you'd be forgiven for thinking your only choices for powering your computer were Windows or Mac OS X. There is another way, though. Linux may only run on a tiny sliver of consumer PCs, but the number is growing and one of the biggest players propelling its popularity is Ubuntu. Since bursting on the scene eight years ago, the distro has grown to dominate the desktop Linux market and made plenty of fans (and a few detractors) along the way. Truth is, Ubuntu is completely unique and, at least compared to other distros out there, very user-friendly. It also happens to have a very active community of developers and users willing to lend help to those in need, which makes it appealing to Linux vets, enterprise users and *nix n00bs alike.

Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin is part of the company's LTS or Long Term Support series, and is guaranteed for five years of support through Canonical. That means the company is focusing less on cramming new features into this release and more on making it as stable as possible. So, if you're familiar with Ubuntu, you won't find much here that will blow your mind. Of course, the real question is whether or not the aubergine-loving open-source OS is for you, not whether there's enough new tweaks to fill a book. So, without further ado, we present Ubuntu 12.04: the review. Join us after the break, won't you?

Gallery: Ubuntu 12.04 review

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Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin hits the web, with HUD in tow

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:40:00 EST

It's here! Precise Pangolin or, as it's officially known, Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Canonical's latest is now available in its final(ish) form and ready for you to download, burn and install. While LTS (Long Term Support) releases are generally more conservative in their application of new features, Pangolin does include some rather notable tweaks. The most immediately noticeable will be the new log in screen which, while largely the same, does have the slick new trick of changing wall papers to match the selected user. A more subtle change is revealed once you've logged on and press alt -- HUD. The new search-based menu system is quite a departure from traditional interaction models, and one that will come as a relief to those who constantly forget where a particular option is buried. Perhaps the most welcome change, though, is the vastly improved performance and power management. Ubuntu, for all of its finer points, has never been particularly battery friendly. But Canonical is promising that is going to change. We'll have to wait to find out once we get this bad boy installed on some machines of our own. You know the drill, hit up the source link to download it for yourself, for free.

Update: Well, looks like all you Ubuntu fanatics have taken out the site temporarily. We're sure it'll be back soon but, in the meantime, you can still download the latest version of the OS here (magnet link).

Update 2: And they're back! Also, we've now got PR after the break.

Continue reading Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin hits the web, with HUD in tow

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin hits the web, with HUD in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu 12.10 gets christened Quantal Quetzal ahead of Pangolin launch

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:51:00 EST

While you impatiently await the release of Precise Pangolin this Thursday, we've got some news to hold your little aubergine-loving heart over. Canonical's own Mark Shuttleworth took to the web to announce Ubuntu 12.10, codenamed Quantal Quetzal. If you were hoping the Linux distro would take the tongue-twisting titles down a notch with the next release, well, you're out of luck. We don't have too many details to share release, but Shuttleworth does say that Unity will continue to be tweaked and improved. A visual overhaul is expected to get underway starting with Quetzal, to work out all the bugs in time for the next LTS release, 14.04. Now all you have to do is wait till October 18th for its proper release. (For the more impatient and daring, the first alpha is scheduled to land on June 7th and the first beta on September 6th.) Thankfully, there should be enough new stuff to play with in 12.04 to distract you for at least a little while.

[Image via Fabio Bretto]

Ubuntu 12.10 gets christened Quantal Quetzal ahead of Pangolin launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical's AWSOME API bridges OpenStack and Amazon clouds, Ubuntu has its head in both

James Trew — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:45:00 EST

New features and services that improve Canonical's latest version of Ubuntu seem to keep rolling in. The latest addition being the announcement of its AWSOME proxy service. No, that's not us getting over excited about it, that stands for Any Web Service Over Me, and it includes APIs that smooth the transition to OpenStack for those currently using Amazon's cloud services. Although not open source, Amazon's Web Service has such a large market share, that Canonical clearly wants to make integrating with it as smooth as possible. The AWSOME proxy will only provide basic functionality for the AWS side of things, with users still encouraged to adopt the OpenStack infrastructure for deeper capabilities. Still, if you're currently working with Bezos' platform, and this was the last barrier to hopping aboard the Precise Pangolin ship, you're in luck.

Canonical's AWSOME API bridges OpenStack and Amazon clouds, Ubuntu has its head in both originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical prepping to launch Ubuntu as smartphone OS?

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:58:00 EST

Crawling the job posting boards over at Canonical turns up a pretty interesting position, one for a Business Development Manager (Ubuntu Phone OS). Now, we're not quite ready to jump to any conclusions here, but the wording of the listing is quite intriguing. The group is looking for a "business development lead to engage and develop strong relationships with industry partners in the run up to the launch of Ubuntu as a smartphone operating system," with the goal of "establish[ing] a commercial ecosystem around Ubuntu as a smartphone OS." Does this mean that Ubuntu is preparing to take on Android and iOS in the battle for smartphone supremacy (or, more likely, take on Windows Phone in a competition of also rans)? Honestly, we're not sure. The wording is quite vague, and it could simply be the company is referring to Ubuntu for Android. We've contacted Canonical for comment and we'll update if we get any clarification.

[Thanks, Mo]

Canonical prepping to launch Ubuntu as smartphone OS? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kubuntu 12.10 gains Blue Systems as sponsor, Canonical waves farewell

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:27:00 EST

Everyone loves a happy ending, and it's with this in mind that we share the latest round of good news from the Kubuntu team. Starting with version 12.10, the popular KDE variant of Ubuntu will have sponsorship from Blue Systems. Previously, Canonical announced its intention to drop its sponsorship of Kubuntu after the 12.04 LTS, Precise Pangolin release, but later revealed a willingness to let the Kubuntu team seek other sponsors. Fortunately, it's found a good one. Blue Systems has a solid track record in the KDE community and similarly sponsors distributions such as Netrunner and the KDE variant of Linux Mint. Likewise, it's encouraged Kubuntu developers to stay close to their roots and follow the same successful formula as before. The future looks bright for Kubuntu, and it's full of Plasma.

Kubuntu 12.10 gains Blue Systems as sponsor, Canonical waves farewell originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu's 'Precise Pangolin' emerges into Beta, enjoys the fresh air (video)

James Trew — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:04:00 EST

So, it looks like Precise Pangolin has just crawled out of its Alpha hiding hole, and into the open plains of Beta testing. The Beta 1 version of Ubuntu 12.04 is available to download today, and Beta 2 is already in the crosshairs, one month from now. Being an LTS (Long Term Support) release, we knew changes weren't going to be drastic, but there are some noteworthy ones. We heard RhythmBox would be back as the default media player, and it is, and it looks like Ubuntu One synching also showed up as expected. Under the hood, the kernel goes from 3.2.0-12.21 to 3.2.0-17.27 and RC6 for Sandy Bridge systems has been enabled. The final freeze is only eight weeks away, so if you want to steer the Pangolin in the right direction, curl up on that source link for the goods.

[Thanks, Robert]

Continue reading Ubuntu's 'Precise Pangolin' emerges into Beta, enjoys the fresh air (video)

Ubuntu's 'Precise Pangolin' emerges into Beta, enjoys the fresh air (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu for Android: more details and prototype hands-on (video)

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:03:00 EST

Canonical's announcement of Ubuntu for Android kicked up quite a stir, but it also left us with a few unknowns. The idea is that your phone becomes a mobile PC, switching from Android into full desktop Ubuntu mode when you dock it to a bigger display, keyboard and mouse. But just how well does it perform? When is it coming? How is it coming? And will tinkerers be able to install it for themselves? Canonical let us into its London office today to try out the software and pepper one of its engineers with questions. First, the good news: Ubuntu for Android is everything it's been claimed to be. It's a functional desktop OS that sits alongside Android, shares the same kernel and has full read / write access to everything on your phone (the connectivity hardware itself plus contacts, emails, videos, apps and pretty much everything else.). It's also ready for ARM-compatible Ubuntu apps, potentially expanding the range of things your phone can do.

The bad news? It needs to be faster -- a lot faster. The prototype we saw was running on a TI OMAP 4430-powered Motorola Atrix 2 that had primarily been chosen for its ready-made docking accessory. The software hadn't been customized for that handset and neither Motorola nor TI have so far been involved in the project. Despite this, some tasks ran surprisingly well, like watching a video or adjusting a photo. However, surfing on the Chromium desktop browser suffered too much hanging and it was also clear that multi-tasking would be a serious burden. According to Canonical, better performance will come when manufacturers tailor the software to their newest handsets and offer it pre-installed. The company is doing everything it can to make that happen -- meeting with big players at MWC next week and trying to persuade them that it's not too late to offer Ubuntu on models scheduled for launch this year. We asked if Canonical would make the OS available to us ordinary folk sooner than that, so we can play with it and give our feedback, but that just isn't part of the company's game plan right now -- everything hinges on manufacturers seeing the 'differentiation' value and climbing aboard. To tide you over in the meantime, click past the break for a hands-on video.

Continue reading Ubuntu for Android: more details and prototype hands-on (video)

Ubuntu for Android: more details and prototype hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu's full desktop OS coming to multi-core Android devices (update: video)

Michael Gorman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:11:00 EST

What the Atrix 4G first promised, it looks like the folks at Canonical may deliver. Think back to CES 2011, when Motorola showed us a future where our phone was the only computing device we would need -- only to leave us wanting when its webtop app didn't deliver the requisite functionality for such a future. Well, it turns out Ubuntu now runs on multi-core Android devices and your handset can grant a full desktop experience when docked with a display and a keyboard. It's a customized version of Ubuntu that plays nice with Android, the two OS's sharing data and services while running simultaneously. So, you can still access telephony and texts from the Ubuntu environment while enjoying all the computing capabilities it has to offer, including: Ubuntu TV, virtualization tools for running Windows applications, desktop web browsers, and Ubuntu apps built for ARM. It isn't clear exactly what hardware you'll need to run Ubuntu on a handset, but Canonical has said it works on multi-core devices with HDMI and USB connections. We'll get more info next week when it's shown off at MWC, but until then you'll have to settle for the source below and PR after the break.

Update: Have a look at the slick integration in a video we've embedded after the break.

[Thanks, Bekira]

Continue reading Ubuntu's full desktop OS coming to multi-core Android devices (update: video)

Ubuntu's full desktop OS coming to multi-core Android devices (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical to end official Kubuntu support with 12.04, crushes your Plasma-powered dreams

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EST

Standard Ubuntu, with its Gnome roots and Unity interface may get most of the attention, but there are many different varieties of the world's most popular Linux distro. Most, like Xubuntu and Edubuntu, are community efforts entirely maintained by volunteers. Now Kubuntu, the KDE-sporting edition will be joining the ranks of the unofficial. After seven years, Canonical has decided to focus all of its efforts on Ubuntu proper, and will be ending paid support for Kubuntu with version 12.04. That doesn't mean that the variant is dead, only that it might not be a great choice for enterprise customers. Check out the source for the full letter from (former) lead developer Jonathan Riddell announcing the change.

Canonical to end official Kubuntu support with 12.04, crushes your Plasma-powered dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu's Precise Pangolin to pull less power than predecessors

Michael Gorman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:09:00 EST

We won't be seeing the finished version of Ubuntu's next release for a few months, but the folks at Canonical are hard at work making Precise Pangolin the very best it can be. Version 12.04 is an LTS release, meaning only refinements are in store for the OS, but apparently one of the areas targeted for improvement is power consumption.

In a post on his blog, Ubuntu kernel engineer Colin King explained that the plan is to provide power savings in a variety of ways, including PCI Express Active State Power Management (ASPM). Furthermore, testing of Aggressive Link Power Management (ALPM) that puts the SATA link to your disk drive into a low power mode during periods of inactivity is in the works, as is placing USB and PCI controllers of peripherals and wireless connections into lower power states. The folks at Canonical are putting Precise Pangolin through its power-saving paces, but are also calling upon members of the Ubuntu community to help out with the QA to see which methods will work best. So, if you're into doing a good deed for the next Ubuntu distro, head on down to the source to learn how to lend a hand.

Ubuntu's Precise Pangolin to pull less power than predecessors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical gets a little more precise about what's in store for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:07:00 EST

Look, codenames are all fine and dandy, but we want the meat -- we want to know exactly what Precise Pangolin has in store. Specifics are still a little hard to come by, but there were some tidbits out of the Ubuntu Developer Summit. For one, Canonical has decided to bump the size of the ISO from 700MB to 750MB. That might not seem like a huge deal, but it means CDs are out and thumb drives or DVDs are in for installs. The company is also considering using Ubuntu One accounts for logging into the desktop, allowing you to quickly sync your settings and files on any Ubuntu machine -- not unlike Google's Chrome OS. Lastly there are a few software changes coming. The Software Center will be getting some serious optimization for quicker launches and better performance, while Rhythmbox will be returning to the fold after being banished for Banshee in 11.04. You'll find a few more details about Ubuntu 12.04 at the source link.

Canonical gets a little more precise about what's in store for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu coming to tablets, phones, cars and smart TVs by 2014

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:56:00 EST

We've already seen Ubuntu running on tablets and smartphones, but not in any official capacity. Rumors had it that Canonical would be making a serious push into the tablet space in early 2011, but that effort never materialized, or at least was never acknowledged. Still, Unity has some finger-friendly streaks and Oneiric added ARM support -- so it's not much of a stretch to see the popular Linux distro on your mobile devices. Well, at the Ubuntu Developer Summit, Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth made that move official by issuing a challenge to the Ubuntu community to start pushing beyond the traditional PC form factor. Few details were given, but Shuttleworth did say that he believes the time is right for the OS to start making moves into the tablet, phone, in-dash infotainment and smart TV spaces. There were no products to announce, but Shuttleworth was confident the OS would be ready and in shipping consumer electronics by the time version 14.04 arrived in April of 2014. Though, we're sure some prototypes will start showing up sooner rather than later.

Ubuntu coming to tablets, phones, cars and smart TVs by 2014 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu and Dell rekindle their love, in China

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST

In 2007 Dell started a highly publicized experiment with loading Ubuntu on some of its machines. Suffice to say, it wasn't a resounding success -- despite Michael Dell's ringing endorsement. Though their relationship seems to have petered out (~~US customers won't find a single machine running Canonical's open-source OS on Dell's site~~), the two companies aren't quite ready file for separation just yet. The two are looking to rekindle their love by heading across the Pacific, to China. Initially the Linux-loaded lappies will be available in 220 retail locations across the country with accompanying branding to promote Ubuntu. Clearly only time will tell if this attempt to save their marriage will be successful, but we're pretty confident Chinese consumers will be more receptive to an alternative OS than Americans were. One more pic after the break.

Update: Turns out there are still a couple of Ubuntu-equipped machines available in the US, but only to business customers and the landing page that once championed their partnership has disappeared.

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Ubuntu and Dell rekindle their love, in China originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu turns 7, Canonical gets to work on Precise Pangolin

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:02:00 EST

It was exactly seven years ago today that Warty Warthog, the very first release of Ubuntu (despite its 4.10 version number), hit the internet and became an almost instant success. In the course of those years Canonical has built the world's most popular desktop Linux distribution and a powerful presence in the server industry thanks to its LTS (Long Term Support) releases. With Oneiric Ocelot in the books, it's time for the team to set its sights on yet another enterprise-friendly and super stable release, 12.04 LTS -- Precise Pangolin. Don't expect any big new features or drastic UI changes, the LTS releases are all about fine tuning what's already there. Hit up the source for a few more details on Pangolin and the more coverage link for the original Ubuntu announcement.

Ubuntu turns 7, Canonical gets to work on Precise Pangolin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vodafone brings ARM and Ubuntu together for South African Webbook

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:35:00 EST

If you don't know what Ubuntu is by now, we're not sure what tech blog you're reading -- 'cause it sure isn't this one. Ok, so finding a computer with the world's most popular Linux distro preloaded on it isn't exactly easy (there aren't any lurking in your local Best Buy, that's for sure). But, tracking down a machine running the Ocelot in South Africa will be getting a bit simpler. The country's Vodafone affiliate, Vodacom, launched the Webbook -- a 10-inch laptop running Ubuntu 11.10 on a Cortex A8-based Freescale i.MX51 processor (likely 800MHz). Inside is also 512MB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage, enough for basic browsing. The Webbook is available now, starting at R1,499 (about $190) for just the device, and climbing up to R1,899 (about $245) for the Webbook, modem and 100MB of monthly data for 12 months. There's also an on-contract option, which nets you the pile of hardware, plus 500MB of data for R189 a month and a two year commitment. Check out the pair of press releases after the break, as well as one more photo of the device

Continue reading Vodafone brings ARM and Ubuntu together for South African Webbook

Vodafone brings ARM and Ubuntu together for South African Webbook originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The countdown to Oneiric Ocelot begins, Ubuntu 11.10 arrives October 13th

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST

A whole new world? A whole new computer? Those are some pretty epic promises coming from the folks at Canonical, especially since we've seen the most recent beta and Ubuntu 11.10 and, while its packed with welcome improvements over Natty, it's not exactly revolutionary. Still, we're excited that on October 13th the final release of Oneiric Ocelot will be hitting the web with an improved Dash that integrates search Lenses, new default apps, a spiffed-up app switcher and application syncing across multiple devices. There are plenty of other little tweaks and improvements that add polish to the popular Linux distribution -- more than we could possibly cover without inspiring a string of TLDR comments. If you're the adventurous type you can download the second beta now, but we suggest you wait till the timer at the source link reaches zero. If you want to spread the Gospel of Ubuntu you'll also find a printable flyer at the source with a QR code and tear-off URL strips that lead to ThisIsTheCountdown.com.

The countdown to Oneiric Ocelot begins, Ubuntu 11.10 arrives October 13th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Humanity toward others' extended to Windows with Ubuntu One cloud storage

Jesse Hicks — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:09:00 EST

Are you a Windows user in need of yet another cloud storage option? Lucky for you, after a long-running beta, Canonical's Ubuntu One client has officially debuted on Microsoft's platform. First introduced with Ubuntu 10.10, the service offers 5GB of free storage, with file syncing across multiple machines, ala Dropbox. Android and iOS clients are already available. If you need more space, how about 20GB for $29.99 a year or $2.99 a month? And if portable tunes is your game, you can have that same 20GB along with music streaming apps (similar to Google Music Beta) for $39.99 a year or $3.99 a month. Click the source link to engage in some cross-platform storage.

Filed under: Storage, Networking

'Humanity toward others' extended to Windows with Ubuntu One cloud storage originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical launches Ubuntu App Developer platform for curious coders

Amar Toor — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:37:00 EST

Creating apps for Ubuntu is about to get a lot easier, now that the folks over at Canonical have launched the Ubuntu App Developer platform. On the new site, developers will find guides, tutorials and other resources to help them create apps specifically for the Linux OS, or to port other apps to the platform. Once finalized, these apps can then be published on the Ubuntu Software Centre, where developers can choose to either offer them for free, or at a price. In announcing the new platform, community member David Planella predicted that it will offer a "unified and consistent journey for both open-source, non-commercial and commercial app authors." He went on to acknowledge, however, that there's still plenty of work to be done: "For all its current awesomeness, we are aware that the site needs to pass the test of a wider audience, adapt to their needs, and grow." Find out more at the source link, below.

Canonical launches Ubuntu App Developer platform for curious coders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu to hit Eee PCs, take on Microsoft

Sean Buckley — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:29:00 EST

Think ASUS netbooks threw Linux out the window? Think again: the Eee PC 1001PXD, 1011PX and 1015PX are about to get Ubuntu configurations. Harking back to when the famous netbook line launched running Xandros, these Ubuntu loaded machines could help Linux reach a larger audience. Canonical representatives are pitting the new netbooks against Windows-powered machines, telling The Inquirer that Ubuntu is competing with Microsoft, not other Linux distributions. That's quite a goliath you picked there, Ubuntu. Are a trio of Atom notebooks enough to win the war on Windows? Considering Dell abandoned their love of Linux over a year ago, we're guessing no.

Ubuntu to hit Eee PCs, take on Microsoft originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu 11.04 'Natty Narwhal' brings new Unity UI, controversy to the desktop

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:18:00 EST

It's April, the fourth month of the year, and that means it's time for a new Ubuntu release. (This also true of the tenth month of the year -- those Canonical folks like to keep busy.) Ubuntu 11.04, or Natty Narwhal as the kids are calling it, is here and packing some significant changes from earlier editions of the Linux distro. The most obvious being the arrival of the Unity desktop environment, which was previously relegated to netbooks. It's got integrated search, a combination launcher and taskbar, and app menus that have been moved to the top of the screen à la OS X -- basically it's harvested the best ideas from Apple and Microsoft and splashed a pretty coat of aubergine paint on it. The new UI is not without its detractors and reportedly has some stability issues, but you can always choose "Ubuntu Classic" to stick with Gnome. The update also makes Firefox 4 the default browser and replaces the Rhythmbox music manager with the sleeker and more functional Banshee. Hit up the source link to download the 700MB ISO -- it's free and you can try it without installing, so what's there to lose?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Ubuntu 11.04 'Natty Narwhal' brings new Unity UI, controversy to the desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical christens Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot' (update)

Christopher Trout — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:13:00 EST

Canonical's still one month away from letting Natty Narwhal (also known as Ubuntu 11.04) out of the cage, but it's already teasing us with another OS flaunting an alliterative mammalian monicker. Like the Narwhal before it, Oneiric Ocelot (or Ubuntu 11.10), due out this October, will offer a 2D OpenGL-based Unity interface to support older computers, as well as Qt -- you know, the framework Nokia loved and left hanging. You can also expect Ubuntu to scale back on the number of cloud services with the Ocelot, as it gears up for the release of the as-of-yet unnamed Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (long term support). For now, that's all she wrote, but if you're dying to find out how they come up with those adorable Animalia appellatives, check out the source link below.

Update: Oneiric Ocelot has also apparently devoured Ubuntu Netbook Edition whole -- starting with Ubuntu 11.04, the products will be completely unified and (according to Canonical) work equally well no matter the form factor.

Canonical christens Ubuntu 11.10 'Oneiric Ocelot' (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video)

Darren Murph — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:54:00 EST

Digg Not that we haven't seen mock-ups before for systems using webcams to intelligently move user interface elements, but it's another thing entirely for a company to make a public proclamation that it's tinkering with implementing something of the sort into a future build of its OS. Over at the Canonical design blog, one Christian Giordano has revealed that the company is in the early stages of creating new ways to interact with Ubuntu, primarily by using proximity and orientation sensors in order to have one's PC react based on how they're sitting, where they're sitting and where their eyes / head are at. For instance -- once a user fires up a video and leans back, said video would automatically go into fullscreen mode. Similarly, if a user walked away to grab some coffee and a notification appeared, that notification would be displayed at fullscreen so that he / she could read it from faraway. There's no mention just yet on when the company plans to actually bring these ideas to end-users, but the video embedded after the break makes us long for "sooner" rather than "later."

Continue reading Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video)

Ubuntu prototype uses face recognition to intelligently move UI elements (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical hearts tablets, but it's not making a special Ubuntu for them

Darren Murph — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:02:00 EST

Um, whoops! It seems as if those earlier reports of Canonical crafting a special edition of Ubuntu specifically for tablets may have stemmed from taking certain quotes out of context, as a new interview over at Golem has confirmed that the company has no short-term plans to pursue that full-on tablet PC push that was so well hyped. It's a bit of a bummer, honestly, with far too few legitimate tablet operating systems on the horizon; Windows 7 just feels a grown man's OS, and there's no telling if Windows Embedded Compact 7 will ever truly live up to its incredible potential. According to Mark Shuttleworth, though, the forthcoming Ubuntu Light will be distributed on a variety of systems, but the smallest it's really aiming for is netbooks. We get the feeling these guys will come around eventually, but for now it's on you to squeeze your favorite Linux build onto that ginormous iPhone 3G tablet you've already got on pre-order.

Canonical hearts tablets, but it's not making a special Ubuntu for them originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical making full-fledged Ubuntu tablet push in early 2011

Sean Hollister — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:15:00 EST

Were Ubuntu Linux ported to any device you could name, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, but developer Canonical intends to release a tablet-specific branch of the OS this time. Like previous efforts on netbook and MID, you can expect the new version to be something of an Ubuntu Light, but with new multitouch gestures and an on-screen keyboard lovingly baked in. Based on Ubuntu 10.10 "Maverick Meerkat," the tablet version will actually be rolled into Ubuntu Light later on, but right now the company's busy romancing hardware providers -- Freescale, Marvell, and Texas Instruments have all signed deals, and both Intel and Pixel Qi will reportedly bring power-saving tech to the table. Time will tell if that means a Armada 618 or OMAP 4 powering the display of our dreams, or yet another ARM-based craptablet with a resistive screen.

Canonical making full-fledged Ubuntu tablet push in early 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical shows off 'Unity' desktop, Ubuntu Light for OEMs

Donald Melanson — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:07:00 EST

Linux development moves at a rapid pace and, faster than you can say Lucid Lynx, Canonical has now unveiled two new major additions to its Ubuntu bag of tricks. The first of those is the so-called "Unity" desktop, which will be the new desktop environment for Ubuntu 10.10 Netbook Edition (slated to debut in October of this year). Among other things, it boasts a range of enhancements for netbooks and touch-based devices, including a pared-down interface and a new panel and application launcher that gives you quick access to your favorite apps. The other big news is Ubuntu Light, which is Canonical's take on an instant-on OS, and is targeted directly at OEMs for use on netbooks and other mobile devices. While it can be used on its own, Canonical mostly sees it being used in a dual-boot environment with Windows (giving Canonical a bigger foothold in the process). Like other instant-on OS's, it will integrate with Windows and give you access to things like music, photos and other files, as well as provide all the basic apps you need. Unfortunately, there isn't one catch-all version of Ubuntu Light that you'll be able to download since it'll need to be tweaked for each device, but it is available to OEMs immediately -- still no word of any devices that will be using it, though.

Canonical shows off 'Unity' desktop, Ubuntu Light for OEMs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Simmtronics, IBM and Canonical bring $190 Simmbook to emerging markets

Donald Melanson — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:19:00 EST

Simmtronics' Simmbook netbook has been floating around for a few months now, but it's just gotten a considerable boost thanks to a partnership with IBM and Canonical, who have teamed up with the company in an effort to bring the netbook to emerging markets. That confluence of companies means the netbook will run on Ubuntu Netbook Remix and come pre-loaded with IBM's Client for Smart Work, which includes Lotus Symphony and access to various cloud-based services. As for the netbook itself, it's about as basic as you might expect, including the usual 10-inch display, Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, three-cell battery, and a 160GB hard drive (with a few upgrades available). Then again, it is available off-the-shelf for just $190 right now, and IBM and Simmtronics are apparently working with various clients to offer the netbook at "a competitive price" to other countries around the world.

Simmtronics, IBM and Canonical bring $190 Simmbook to emerging markets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Mini 10v reviewed with Ubuntu Moblin Remix

Darren Murph — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:54:00 EST

Dell's "highly experimental" Mini 10v with Ubuntu Moblin Remix may not be ready for the mainstream just yet (though it is on sale to everyone who dares), but it's more than ready for the enthusiasts over at ArsTechnica. After purchasing a $299 base unit, they proceeded to take a closer look at just how Moblin fared on a netbook -- probably because the actual hardware specifications are the same as always. Reviewers noted that the UI they were graced with looked an awful lot like the shell they saw back in May, though this build was decidedly more stable and "complete." That said, they still managed to uncover a few bugs, and they were indeed saddened to find that the integrated web browser was downright "weak." All told, critics were impressed with the progress on Moblin, but they still proclaimed that it has a long ways to go before it'll be "ready for regular users." If you've been thinking about exiting your comfort zone and picking one of these up, you owe it to yourself to give that read link a tap.

Filed under: Laptops

Dell Mini 10v reviewed with Ubuntu Moblin Remix originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing)

Nilay Patel — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:25:00 EST

Dell just announced the first shipping Moblin netbook, a developer-edition Mini 10v that runs Canonical's Moblin Netbook Remix. No pricing info yet, but it'll go on sale tomorrow, September 24, on Dell.com. We're told they have units on the show floor for us to play with, we'll be back with way more details soon.

Update: Dell tells us the Moblin Mini 10v will be $299 to start and available with the usual customization options, but that they're not really aiming it at consumers just yet -- the idea is to give Moblin developers best-of-class hardware to work on. That said, nothing's stopping you from snagging one tomorrow, since they won't be requiring proof that you're actually a dev. You sneaky Linux-loving dog, you.

Continue reading Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing)

Filed under: Laptops

Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical bringing Ubuntu to ARM-powered devices

Darren Murph — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 06:09:00 EST

It was inevitable, really -- now that ARM processors are bound for netbooks and the like, it follows logic that ARM would tag team with Canonical to bring along Ubuntu support. The two firms have collaborated in order to "bring the full Ubuntu Desktop operating system to the ARMv7 processor architecture (targeting the Cortex-A8 and Cortex -A9 in particular) to address demand from device manufacturers." They even go out of their way to assert that this is all about bringing Ubuntu to "new netbooks and hybrid computers," though we're still hopeful that the OS will find its way into even more diminutive ARM-powered devices in the future. Sadly, you'll have to wait until April of 2009 to see the fruits of this so-very-special relationship.

[Via CNET]

Filed under: Handhelds, Laptops

Canonical bringing Ubuntu to ARM-powered devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 06:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex

Darren Murph — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Not like we weren't totally expecting this or anything, but Canonical has chosen Computex as the expo where it will officially showcase Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Hailed as a "reworked desktop image of Ubuntu built specifically for a new category of portable internet-centric devices," the operating system will probably not be too foreign for those familiar with the standard Ubuntu Desktop Edition. We are told that this flavor will feature a launcher that enables users to "get online more quickly and have faster access to their favorite applications," and that it "leverages Moblin technologies optimized for the Intel Atom processor." Unfortunately, devices pre-loaded with UNR aren't apt to ship until "later in 2008," though OEMs interested in getting in while there is still room on the bandwagon are encouraged to hit up Canonical. Full release waiting after the jump.

Gallery: Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex

Continue reading Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex

Filed under: Handhelds, Laptops

Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canonical CEO says Ubuntu Netbook Remix build coming in June

Darren Murph — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:30:00 EST

You never really know what all will emerge from a simple interview, and thanks to a recent sit-down with Canonical chief executive Mark Shuttleworth, we now know that a build of Ubuntu tailored for ultraportables (or subnotes, as it were) is just around the bend. According to Mr. Shuttleworth, the aforesaid software will be announced "in the first week of June," and it'll be called the Netbook Remix. He also noted that the outfit is currently "working with Intel, which produces chips custom-made for this sector." Sadly, it seems we'll have to wait a week or so before finding out more, but those interested in reading the interview in full can certainly give the read link a visit.

[Image courtesy of TurboGadgets, thanks KC Kim]

Filed under: Laptops

Canonical CEO says Ubuntu Netbook Remix build coming in June originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eeeXubuntu: Ubuntu distilled for your Eee

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:40:00 EST

For all you Eee users out there who've been trying to squeeze Ubuntu into the little white box, some help is on the way. A kind and enterprising Linux enthusiast has used their precious time and energy to put together an Eee-customized build of the much-loved OS, which includes fully-integrated hardware support, native wireless drivers, functioning Ethernet support, tweaks for low-resolution desktop environments, and a bunch of other little enhancements that will make using Canonical's powerhouse a lot more pleasant on your tiny laptop. Word on the street is that development and refinement continues on the build, so expect improvements as time wears on. Now, if only someone could perfect that Amiga OS build for the Eee...

[Via Digg]

Filed under: Laptops

eeeXubuntu: Ubuntu distilled for your Eee originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walt Mossberg gives Ubuntu the cold-shoulder

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:30:00 EST

Captain Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal Brigade delivered a pounding frontal attack to the good folks in the Ubuntu bunker today, sounding off about the Linux OS distribution that's been taking a lot of people (but not old Mossy) by storm. According to his review yesterday of the burgeoning (and free) Canonical operating system, Walt Mossberg says that although Ubuntu is, "Relatively slick," he feels that there are too many, "little complications and hassles that will quickly frustrate most people who just want to use their computers, not maintain or tweak them." Apparently, after testing on a stock Dell system with the software pre-installed, Walt argued that the lack of codecs for playing some audio and video formats, trouble connecting iPods, and a trackpad which can't be adjusted, are just a few of the problems that most people will find intolerable in the open-source OS. Mossberg talks about users who, "...simply want their digital products to operate as promised, with as little maintenance and hassle as possible," and feels the answer for them is Windows or OS X, not the new, untested, and unpolished Ubuntu. While we don't agree on every point, perhaps this will push Canonical to tighten up its OS and really target the mainstream. [Warning: read link requires subscription]

[Via Crave]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Walt Mossberg gives Ubuntu the cold-shoulder originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu creator claims more Linux-based Dells to emerge

Darren Murph — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:50:00 EST

It's not like this one was too difficult to see coming, but it sounds like Dell just may have a few more machines ready to take the Linux dip in the not-too-distant future. According to Mark Shuttleworth, noted as creator of Ubuntu, "Dell is happy with the demand it has seen for its Linux PCs," and he also mentioned that "what's been announced to date is not the full extent of what we will see over the next couple of weeks and months." As if that wasn't clear as glass, he concluded by stating that "additional offerings [are] in the pipeline," and while Dell wouldn't directly comment on the allegations, a spokeswoman did note that firm "was pleased with customer response to its Linux PCs." Chalk another one up for the open-sourcers.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Ubuntu creator claims more Linux-based Dells to emerge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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