Ubuntu Linux Tablet on the Horizon

There were rumors abound that the new version of Ubuntu Linux would run on tablets. Ever since Canonical announced the launch of the Unity interface, the industry insiders and experts had been commenting that Linux was being primed for tablet use. The open-source operating system is one of the only OS not to make their market on the tablet market. With a smartphone announced for October, the news of the tablet has also become official. An Ubuntu Linux tablet would hit the market this year.

Ubuntu on Every Device

With the official announcement of the Ubuntu tablet, it has become clear that Canonical aims for their platform to run on every device a person owns. Whether you have a PC, TV, tablet, or smartphone or even all of these, you can use the same OS, Ubuntu, to run all of them. This will provide better portability and compatibility across the different devices people own. It was really a matter of time that a Linux provider responded to the increased use of mobile devices over PCs and laptops.

A Split-Screen Design

The major feature of the Ubuntu tablet would be a split-screen design. It is modeled on the picture-in-picture feature used by televisions where you can view two channels at once. When it comes to the Ubuntu tablet, you can watch a video on YouTube on one screen while checking your Twitter feed on the other. This will make it easier for users to perform multiple tasks at once using their Ubuntu Linux tablet.

From Tablet to Desktop

You will also have the option of attaching a mouse and a keyboard to the tablet to make it work like a desktop computer. If you grow tired of using it in your lap, which does put a strain on the neck, you can simply place it in front of you on a desk to use it. Users who are more comfortable with desktop computers than handheld devices can ease their way into tablet usage through the Ubuntu Linux tablet by using it as both.

A Question of Apps

The big question remains whether or not developers would be willing to come up with new apps for the Ubuntu OS. Even now, the new BlackBerry phone is struggling to meet the growing demand for apps simply because there aren’t enough apps for it. As a result, users have to rely on the apps from major OS’ like iOS and Android. This is what Ubuntu seems to be doing as well by making it easier for developers to bring the apps available on BlackBerry and Android to their platform.

Also, the tablet will run any app which has been created using JavaScript and HTML 5, which most apps are. By design, the OS is quite similar to the BlackBerry OS. However, it remains to be seen if the developers show any interest in coming up with new and exciting apps which can propel the Ubuntu Linux tablet to fame. Otherwise, its fate looks quite underwhelming.

[Image via telegraph]