Ubuntu Linux 10.10 Meerkat Poised to Get ‘Touchy’

“The next version of Ubuntu Linux aims to support for
multi-touch as part of an effort to expand the Linux desktop user
experience, potentially bringing the sorts of interactivity
popularized by devices like the Apple iPad to tablets and netbooks
powered by Ubuntu. But the plan isn’t to stop with Ubuntu alone,
according to the distribution’s founder, Mark Shuttleworth.

“Ubuntu 10.10, codenamed “Maverick Meerkat,” is currently in
development and scheduled to debut officially in October. When it
does, it will include the new, open source UTouch framework, which
Ubuntu’s backers say will offer a type of user experience that’s
thus far been absent on Linux devices.

“”We’re very excited about multi-touch as an interaction model
and we think open source should be at the cutting edge of
interaction design and innovation,” Shuttleworth told
InternetNews.com. “This is one of the big things that has been
missing from the Linux desktop and we’re very glad that we can help
to make it a reality.”

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