More online integration is coming to Ubuntu in its next release, Canonical have announced. Ubuntu 13.04 will 'fulfil' the goal of the Unity Dash to be a one-stop global search tool. It will include more 'Scopes', a new relevancy ranking system, and a wider range of commercial product suggestions.
Could Sony Entertainment's massively multiplayer online first person shooter 'PlanetSide 2' ever make it on to Linux? The 'freemium' game, a sequel to the popular 2003 game 'PlanetSide', is currently only available for Windows. But, if one of the game's developers is to be believe then there is hope for Linux fans.
A new job listing from Canonical once again reinforces the 'design first' philosophy shaping the Ubuntu experience. In a newly posted role for a 'Head of Apps Design', Canonical are seeking a capable designer capable of 'delivering high-quality, value-adding, and unique apps for the Ubuntu platform' that '...address key user needs and serve as a vehicle to demonstrate Ubuntu's values.' Exciting stuff.
A number of small changes have landed on the Ubuntu desktop in the latest update to Unity. Although none of them will be causing any jaws to drop in wonderment, the small and subtle - if not yet finished - updates do fix a number of out-standing usability 'bugs'.
Various titles in the Steam Store have begun to list their Linux system requirements, hinting that the client is making good progress towards a wider release. Not every title is yet sporting the listing, but a great many are (including Steam's own first-party titles).
An updated version of Google Earth 7 that will work in Ubuntu is on the way, with Google testing a build that doesn't fall foul of the 'caught signal 11' error.
Racing game 'RC Mini Racers' made a speedy debut as one of Ubuntu's top selling apps during November. The $4.99 racing game bags the #2 position despite having only gone on sale November 27th!
If your ear has fallen within the radius of a supermarket or shopping mall's sound system anytime since October then you'll know that the festive feel-good season of Christmas is all but upon us. So if you're stuck for a gift to get an Ubuntu-user in your member, or if someone's stuck on what to get you, cast an eye over the following deals on offer from Canonical...
'RC Mini Racers' joins a procession of successful games making their way to Linux and the Ubuntu Software Center. Having spent several weeks at the top spot of the Mac App Store's 'Top Free Games' chart, as well as several months inside the top 10, this title offers Linux gamers another taste of the burgeoning interest in Linux as a gaming platform.
Desktop Reddit app 'Reditr' has been packaged up for Ubuntu and made available for download. The application, a sort of 'TweetDeck for Reddit', allows Reddit fans to browse posts from the site from a manageable, column-style layout.
Screenshot sharing tool Screencloud has been updated with Ubuntu One and Imgur uploading support. A tray-area applet, Screencloud lets you quickly take snaps of your desktop and its applications then upload them directly to one of several supported image hosting services.
What is Ubuntu? Where do Dalek's come from? And can you cook pasta in a microwave? Don't worry this is not a pop quiz, but examples of questions that I have, at various points in my life, turned to Google to get answers for. Now, a new Lens for Ubuntu's Unity desktop makes finding answers to common questions insanely easy. Meet the 'Unity Answers Lens'.