Ubuntu demos Netbook Remix for portable netbooks
Written by admin on June 5th, 2008 in gadgets.
Canonical are using the Computex 2008 show in Taiwan to demonstrate a new version of the Ubuntu Linux OS for portable devices. More specifically, the new version will be called Netbook Remix and is aimed at portable Internet-centric devices, or netbooks for short.
Netbook Remix is designed for portables running on the Intel Atom processor and will offer all the open source software and functionality you would expect for communications an entertainment. E-mail, Internet access, instant messaging, VoIP and the ability to view photos, videos and listen to music are all included with Netbook Remix.
Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Ubuntu commented:
Our goal is to deliver a superb user experience while making it simple and cost-effective for device manufacturers to be able to bring their devices to the consumer marketplace … Ubuntu has in a very short period transformed the perception of the Linux desktop experience. Many more people will experience Linux for the first time through these devices so working with Canonical, using our UI and leveraging software from the Moblin project is the best way to ensure the netbook experience is a success.
The Moblin project brings together a range of technologies that are aimed specifically at electronic devices powered by the Intel Atom. The technologies cover all areas of a machine from power saving and graphics right through to multimedia codecs and security.
Although being demonstrated at Computex; Canonical do not expect to have Netbook Remix shipping with devices until later this year.
Read more at Ubuntu, found via Silicon.com
Matthew’s Opinion
Ubuntu Netbook Remix is going to be a tempting proposition for many OEMs. Not only will it save them money on the cost of buying an OS, it also carries a number of optimizations for the Atom processor. This should improve the experience the user has over alternate operating systems.
I also think users are more likely to take time learning how to use Linux if it starts shipping on netbooks. Much like when you buy a digital music player and need to learn how to use the interface; this should also be the case with an Atom-powered portable. The only difference being there is a lot more you can do with it. Ubuntu also makes things easy by being so easy to use and familiar for Windows users.
Linux is getting into every area of computing and very quickly now. This has got to be worrying Microsoft and only helping Linux establish itself with new users.
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