Ubuntu 12.04, the next version of Ubuntu Operating System series is expected to be released in this April. But the noteworthy prospect of this new release is the introduction of heads-up display (HUD), the new interface of Ubuntu. Even before its release it has gained more popularity and it is expected to give Ubuntu a new look, in fact a new face exactly. Canonical, the professional services provider to Ubuntu partners has just begun rolling out its first face. Here is a brief introduction to the new face of Ubuntu.
Layered HUD interface
The most important aspect in the development of HUD is to replace the feel of the traditional desktop among its users. Therefore the drop down menus, cascading menus and pop-up menus are likely to be replaced with the layered interface. Also steps are taken to reduce the time taken to reduce the time taken to find and access various applications, files and folders in the system. For this a new intelligent and efficient search methods are introduced. Also an application supported in the previous versions need not be re-written as it is made downward compatible DBus menu.
The New Feel
HUD provides the user more interaction with the user by prioritizing the applications used by him. The HUD just keeps track of the various apps being used by the user and displays those frequently used first. This reduces the burden of clicking through various menus and searching for the apps. Even though this feature was introduced in Ubuntu 11.10, the Oneiric Ocelet, it is expected to be much more optimal and efficient in the HUD.
Transition towards HUD
The developers at the Canonical feel that this transition towards the new HUD interface may not welcomed by many users. Many users would feel that the traditional desktop would be much feasible for them to use. For such users, the option of using the older desktop interface is also provided. They can simply just continue using the older versions like the Unity, GNOME and so on. Also most of the mainframe users are familiar with the Graphical User Interface (GUI) method, point and click. But the beauty of HUD lies in using the keyboard for most of the operations. So it is expected that this transition would not be easy for the established computer users. But the users who use computers for long periods say 8 to 10 hours would definitely welcome this future.
Towards Future
Voice computing is just beginning to become the next trend in the field of computing. Apple and Google have already begun their process of moving towards this new feature, which is evident in their latest apps. Therefore Ubuntu has also decided to move on and this HUD provides the base towards that shift. Though this feature may not be seen in its next release, it is around the corner.
Generally people are afraid of new innovations and technologies, when they are introduced first. This could be the case of HUD, but once they get used to it, it surely is going to make a revolution just like what GUI did in the 1980s. But I assure that this new face of Ubuntu is going to be quite a revolution in the look of the desktop.
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