The realm of operating systems is dynamic, ever-changing, and full of potential.
At the heart of this ecosystem, Ubuntu Desktop has solidified its place, catering to millions worldwide. But how did we get here, and where are we headed? Let’s delve into Ubuntu Desktop's evolving roadmap and its vision for the future.
The Current Landscape
Ubuntu Desktop’s credibility is evident in the numbers:
Over 6 million monthly active users.
27% developer adoption according to the 2023 Stack Overflow survey.
Most-used Linux distribution for gaming, as per the Steam hardware survey
However, resting on past laurels is not their style. The desktop landscape is continuously evolving, from heightened security focus to advancements like embedded AI and augmented reality productivity environments. Thus, to stay relevant and effective, they need to be more than just a passive observer; they need to be the harbinger of innovation.
The expanding Ubuntu Desktop team signifies their commitment to enhance foundations, discover new technologies, and cater to our growing user base/.
Why Values Matter
Values are not just words; they define our direction and decision-making framework. To understand our new features, it's vital to see them as parts of broader goals.
For instance, the shift from Ubiquity to Subiquity as the Desktop installer in Ubuntu 23.04 wasn’t just about feature enhancement; it was a leap towards achieving the "Zero-touch deployment."
This method of aligning features with overarching objectives ensures our actions are easily relatable, offering clarity and consistency for users and contributors.
Ubuntu's Guiding Values
Choice: Ensuring Ubuntu Desktop is accessible across platforms and devices, with something exciting brewing for Ubuntu 23.10!
Quality: Offering a seamless, intuitive, and efficient experience. Ubuntu 23.10 is set to redefine the first-time user experience with a modern app store.
Support: With documentation, troubleshooting, and robust support for each LTS release. Ubuntu 23.10 will leverage Subiquity to enable customizing desktop images via cloud-init.
Enjoyment: Making the OS not just functional but delightful. Ubuntu 23.10 will introduce a new Ubuntu Software application and quarter-screen tiling for workspace management.
Performance: Delivering a responsive experience across tasks and devices. Ubuntu 23.10's partnership with Intel will revolutionize video encoding in the Chromium snap.
Privacy by design: Providing users with full control of their data. Ubuntu 23.10 focuses on application-based permission prompts.
Security by default: Offering top-notch security configurations as a default. Ubuntu 23.10 will experiment with hardware-backed full disk encryption.
Seamless integration: Ensuring consistency across Desktop and Server experiences. Ubuntu 23.10 will introduce Netplan to bridge the server-desktop divide.
Looking towards the future: Continually evolving by identifying and integrating new technologies that resonate with our core values. For instance, Ubuntu Core Desktop is under development, promising an immutable version of the classic desktop experience.
Each value holds a spectrum of interpretations, influencing numerous facets of the Ubuntu stack. While their ambition is grand, it's essential to remember that this is a journey, and there might be bumps along the way. However, these values serve as their guiding light, ensuring they remain on course.
For more information check out the official company statement