In a discussion on the Ayatana mailing list about implementing a simpler-way to view and install applications, Ubuntu UX member David Siegel shared a frustratingly tantalising tid-bit: -
“This looks very similar to the Applications Place, coming to an Ubuntu Netbook near you in 10.10 
”
Attached was the following mock-up: -
The mock-up shows ‘Applications Place’ on the Unity desktop and demonstrates how users of Unity will access installed applications. For anyone testing Unity as of now will be aware that a method for doing so isn’t currently implemented.
It looks exciting from the mock-up (if a bit overly-complex) but for my first glimpse of Unity’s ‘Dash’, I am expecting great things. Thoughts?