Between the Lines

Larry Dignan, Andrew Nusca and Rachel King
Home / News & Blogs / Between the Lines

Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?

By | August 16, 2010, 12:38pm PDT

Multitouch support will be coming to Ubuntu and the Linux operating system could more competitive with Windows and the Mac OS. The big question is whether multitouch support will matter to potential users.

Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth announced the move on his blog and the company’s official blog noted:

The world’s expectations of software experience are being raised by advances in mobile computing. We are bringing that revolution to the Linux desktop: for window management and applications. Though our work at the application level has only just started, we are certain that multi-touch and gestures will be central to the way we use Linux applications in future.

This multitouch support lands in the next version of Ubuntu, dubbed Maverick Meerkat. Give Canonical credit for herding the multitouch moving parts. As CNet News’ Stephen Shankland noted multitouch standards are few and far between. And some gestures aren’t exactly intuitive.

Shuttleworth said that the Ubuntu design team created its own “touch language.” He added:

Rather than single, magic gestures, we’re making it possible for basic gestures to be chained, or composed, into more sophisticated “sentences”. The basic gestures, or primitives, are like individual verbs, and stringing them together allows for richer interactions. It’s not quite the difference between banging rocks together and conducting a symphony orchestra, but it feels like a good step in the right direction.

The larger question is whether multitouch support will bolster adoption of the open source desktop OS. Ubuntu is promising, but you wonder if desktop Linux will move beyond the niche. As software moves to become more browser based, it’s possible that an open source OS could do well. For now, Ubuntu’s multitouch move is about keeping up with other contemporary operating systems. In the future, Ubuntu will have to show some breakthrough with multitouch or design to really make a dent in the OS market.

More on Ubuntu:

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily e-mail newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

More from “Between the Lines”

Topics

Ubuntu, Operating System, Linux, Operating Systems, Open Source, UNIX, Software, Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and SmartPlanet as well as Editorial Director of ZDNet's sister site TechRepublic.

Disclosure

Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan has nothing to disclose. He doesn’t hold investments in the technology companies he covers.

Biography

Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and SmartPlanet as well as Editorial Director of ZDNet's sister site TechRepublic. He was most recently Executive Editor of News and Blogs at ZDNet. Prior to that he was executive news editor at eWeek and news editor at Baseline. He also served as the East Coast news editor and finance editor at CNET News.com. Larry has covered the technology and financial services industry since 1995, publishing articles in WallStreetWeek.com, Inter@ctive Week, The New York Times, and Financial Planning magazine. He's a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism and the University of Delaware.

For daily updates, follow Larry on Twitter.

43
Comments
Add Your Opinion

Join the conversation!

Just In

RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
tomlin21-24319035676893835085146735905770 11th Oct
I do not in many circumstances reply to posts but I'll within this scenario, remarkable info'I will bookmark your internet site. Sustain the great nfl jersey complete
View in thread
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Loverock Davidson 16th Aug 2010
I can answer that with a reassuring no. The linux people just don't get it. No one wants this "me too" OS no matter what they build into it to bloat it up.
0 Votes
+ -
As to
Economister 16th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson

who does not get it, I think that you have answered that question so many times, that it is no longer in the slightest doubt.
0 Votes
+ -
As to
Economister Updated - 16th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson

who does not get it, I think that you have answered that question so many times, that it is no longer in the slightest doubt.

Edit: probably bears repeating happy
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Loverock Davidson 16th Aug 2010
@Economister
Probably not.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Viva la crank dodo 17th Aug 2010
@Loverock
"probably not"

Yet you keep repeating it.
0 Votes
+ -
Multitouch is the future
gjafg 16th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson

You complain about Unbuntu being "bloated". It's a lot less bloated than Microsoft's bloated Windows.

We're moving to the era of multitouch portable devices, running on ARM processors (rather than Intel x86 processors).

The trouble for Ubuntu is that MeeGo OS (from Nokia & Intel) may be one step ahead in the multitouch game.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Loverock Davidson 16th Aug 2010
@Market Analyst
The trouble is linux. People don't want it and this is another half-botched attempt by Shuttleworth to make people think linux is still relevant.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Zc456 Updated - 17th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson He doesn't haft to. Linux is just a kernel. Beyond that it could it be on anything and it is on everything. Servers, PDAs, phones, DVRs, eReaders, ect...

All Shuttleworth did was show that it is possible to make user friendly Linux-based desktops and succeeded. Otherwise a big named OEM like Dell wouldn't be selling their computers with it since 8.04, got it?
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
SoYouSaid Updated - 16th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson

Why don't you give at rest? your foolish fud only makes yyou look more outdated with every reply. Loverock your yesterdays news, replys are, how do I say this politely, just plain old stupid for an arrogant old fool. .... I think I said that as plainly as anyone could that reads ZDNet.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Loverock Davidson 16th Aug 2010
@SoYouSaid
I think I'll continue posting thanks.
  • Flagged
0 Votes
+ -
While I may not be a LD fan (sorry LD)...
happyharry_z 17th Aug 2010
@SoYouSaid The numbers really do the talking. A touch interface is really a desktop type interface. Linux just has not gotten the traction in that area. Good as servers, but not so popular as a desktop. Adding another interface is not going to make it easier as the programmers are already forking off to so many versions that the end user cannot possibly get a handle on how to use or maintain the OS.

PS: Old the the new New. Cloud is mainframe with a new name....
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
AndyPagin 17th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson
Its pointless replying to Loverock, he's utterly blinkered and obsessed with supporting Microsoft, and always sets out to destroy any MS competition. His opinions are worthless.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Loverock Davidson 17th Aug 2010
@AndyPagin
That's odd, I didn't mention Microsoft.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
cosuna 17th Aug 2010
@Loverock Davidson :

So the thousands (even million) Android users don't get it. The thousands of TiVo users don't get it to. So how come Linux's being used by millions of embedded devices which are jumping off Windows CE bandwagon.

Whenever you mention this kinds of statements, just be sure to state the context. Yes. People don't want another PC Operating System. But when we get past the PC era (slates, iPad, smartphones, netbooks, smartbooks, etc.) things change radically.
0 Votes
+ -
Confused
Economister 16th Aug 2010
"The world?s expectations of software experience are being raised by advances in mobile computing. We are bringing that revolution to the Linux desktop"

What does the desktop mean in this context? Is it the mobile computing desktop, i.e. user interface, or is it the interface on your desktop computer. If it is the former, I get it. If it is the latter, I don't.

On my desktop computer, I am perfectly happy with my keyboard and mouse. If they are planning a tablet Ubuntu "remix" which includes multi-touch, they are probably on the right track.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
CobraA1 16th Aug 2010
@Economister

Interestingly enough, multi-touch is already in Windows 7. You don't have to use it, but it's there if you ever want to buy a device that supports it.
0 Votes
+ -
Well...
Economister 16th Aug 2010
@CobraA1

that makes a lot of sense, since MS is dying to get W7 onto tablets. IMHO, W7 is not light enough for a media consumption tablet. If you need to run Windows apps, a W7 tablet makes obviously sense, but you are going to pay a fairly hefty cost/weight/battery life penalty.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
CobraA1 16th Aug 2010
Dunno, it runs fine on a netbook, and it's easy enough to make a tablet with similar specs.
0 Votes
+ -
Dunno?
Economister 16th Aug 2010
@CobraA1

This "runs fine on a netbook" argument is getting tiresome. The iPad weighs 1.5 lbs and has a true all day battery. Do you care to show me a netbook that can match both the weight and the battery life?

Did not think so.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
LiquidLearner 16th Aug 2010
@Eco

I actually agree with you here. I just wish there were a stylus option and built in RDP client in the iPad. It would have a huge impact on EMR. You can't capture signatures with a fingertip though.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
CobraA1 16th Aug 2010
"The iPad weighs 1.5 lbs and has a true all day battery."

If you redefine 24 hours to really mean 10 hours. It's pretty sad how you've abused the word "true."

And it seems some of the netbooks with the N280 are pretty close. I'm not gonna do in-depth research just to satisfy some curiosity, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's one out there.

Most of the early netbook has a lot of their power consumption in the chipset, not the CPU. Newer chipsets seem to be much closer to the 10 hour mark. I think it's only a matter of time until some of the major manufacturers are beating the iPad on both battery life and weight.
0 Votes
+ -
Silliness, speculation and wishful thinking
Economister Updated - 16th Aug 2010
@CobraA1

The trouble posters go to around here to defend the indefensible is truly astounding.

I said "all day", not 24 hours. Nice try. Most people sleep, including you I presume. I do not own an iPad, but from the reviews I have read, it has a true 12 hour battery life. For most people, that qualifies as all day.

Since you are "not gonna do in-depth research just to satisfy some curiosity", I will do it for you. Check this out:

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=5AH8HAdGuhiQIXgg

Notice the weight: 2.8lbs and a shorter battery life

How am I doing so far?

Finally, nobody can predict the future, but your statement that
"Newer chipsets seem to be much closer to the 10 hour mark. I think it's only a matter of time until some of the major manufacturers are beating the iPad on both battery life and weight."

is just wishful thinking. Firstly, the battery life is less than the iPad. Secondly, the weight is almost double and thirdly, the ARM based solutions will not stand still while Intel/MS moves forward.

I don't care whether you are a Windows fan, Apple fan or Linux fan. Facts are facts however, and right now Intel/MS solutions cannot come close. Claiming otherwise just makes you look delusional.

Edit: I just want to stress that this is an Intel/MS vs ARM/iOS or Android (or?) issue, not a MS vs Apple issue.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
CobraA1 16th Aug 2010
"I said 'all day', not 24 hours."

Last I checked, a day was 24 hours.

"Most people sleep, including you I presume."

Oh, so the earth stops existing when I fall asleep?

Yeah, I understand what you're trying to say. But you could have phrased it a bit better.

"Since you are "not gonna do in-depth research just to satisfy some curiosity", I will do it for you."

One link by a person who has a bit of an axe to grind does not qualify as in-depth research, sorry.

"How am I doing so far?"

Pretty bad, considering the link just redirects to ASUS's home page. Not that one product by one company qualifies as any sort of in-depth research.

"is just wishful thinking."

Prove otherwise. There are many netbook models with 10 or more hours of battery life, as a quick glance at Wikipedia clearly shows:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_netbooks

And that's before attempting any sort of serious research.

"Firstly, the battery life is less than the iPad. "

Not in all models, I'm afraid. By limiting yourself to only one product for comparison, you're basically shooting yourself in the foot.

"Secondly, the weight is almost double"

Sometimes yes, sometimes no, again depending on the model. And who is to say they can't improve on that? I don't think Apple is the only corporation in the world working on batteries.

"and thirdly, the ARM based solutions will not stand still while Intel/MS moves forward."

You can bet every penny you have that Intel/MS aren't standing still either. And that they have plenty of resources at their disposal.

I've heard so many stories of Intel/MS failing, I could be rich if I got a penny every time somebody predicted they'd fail and they didn't.

"Facts are facts however"

How about this fact: People have been predicting their demise for a long time, yet somehow they haven't died yet.

Not to mention this fact: These are some of the top tech companies that employ some of the best engineers and designers. If you think they Intel can't design competitive microchips, and you think Microsoft can't design software, it is you who are delusional.

Or how about this fact: Both Intel and Mircrosoft are continuing to work on improving their products. They both understand power consumption, their latest products have significantly improved over their previous products, and their future products will continue that trend.

I understand these companies get a lot of flack for a lot of the mistakes they've made. I understand it's popular to love to hate them. I understand both are probably being held down a bit by backwards compatibility.

But I think that both of them are also well aware of the challenges they face, and that ARM could be a threat. And I honestly don't see them standing still in the face of competition. That's just not the way they work. Both of them have demonstrated they can move more quickly if they need to. If they need to fight, they'll fight.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
CobraA1 16th Aug 2010
"Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?"

Umm, you mean they didn't have that feature before Windows did?

wow.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
ssj6akshat Updated - 17th Aug 2010
@CobraA1 Multitouch was there since 7.10,but it was messy and didn't work properly most of the time.There were no guidelines and everything was chaotic like rest of free software.

EDIT:And poor documentation too.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
dheady@... 16th Aug 2010
The 'average' user isn't interested in a computer as a hobby. Between the propeller head geeks (Oh c'mon that's an historical reference) brandishing soldering irons and the Linux geeks laboring over a terminal program you have a market place the size of the crew of the Titanic and about as destined to conquer the world. The Rest of Us (yeah ok, it's an old Apple promotion, but I'd say it applies to 98% of Windows users too) want something we can reliably use without learning calculus. We want an appliance not an ENIAC. Too many vacuum tubes to replace.
0 Votes
+ -
I'd agree with all of that apart from...
DevJonny 18th Aug 2010
@dheady@...

...the "Linux geeks laboring over a terminal program" part.

You can use Linux without touching the terminal. I use the terminal because I find it quicker to keep my hands on the keyboard, than moving to the mouse to click through menus, copy files, un-zip archives, install software, download files etc etc. That's my choice, but the GUI is more than up to the task of doing all those as well, just like Windows. From my understanding (I've only been using Ubuntu since 8.10) this is a relatively recent change for Linux in general though.

This is also true when I use Windows at work. My primary environment is PowerShell through which I can admin our Exchange Server, AD, File Shares, SQL Servers, VMware ESX Hosts, all from one terminal because that's where I feel most comfortable. My colleagues are the opposite (I am the resident Geek).

Linux is a Geeks OS because you can tinker, but it's an OS for people who want to use the the Web, Email, IM, iPods etc etc
0 Votes
+ -
No thanks
iPad-awan 16th Aug 2010
Linux will never be widely adopted because it just doesn't offer the user experience that OS X offers. Linux tries too hard to copy Windows which copies OS X. So basically, Linux is a copy of a copy. I prefer to stick to the real thing.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
AndyPagin 17th Aug 2010
@iPad-awan
Actually Linux is based on Unix, some versions do have a similar appearance to Windows, but that's as far as it goes.

MsDos was an ultra-crude unix looking O/S, MsWindows was copied (some say stolen) from numerous other windowing operating systems that were around at the same time.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
Zc456 17th Aug 2010
@iPad-awan Two words: Xerox Alto.
0 Votes
+ -
Who cares?
LiquidLearner 16th Aug 2010
How many purchases of Windows are driven by the fact it supports multi touch? Probably somewhere in the neighborhood of the current Ubuntu share. So no, it won't matter in Ubuntu's adoption. Until desks are in a situation where touch isn't so cumbersome it's a wasted effort on the desktop. Reaching across my desk and touching my monitor is certainly not going to save time from using the mouse and keyboard, where my hands are typically resting when I'm at the desk.

If that doesn't change then it's just a "tacked on" feature by any desktop OS.
0 Votes
+ -
Not really
Cylon Centurion Updated - 16th Aug 2010
Are you open for digging through drop down menus with touch? Microsoft was at least smart enough to do away with those before doing touch.

It's great feature to have, but like Windows, it won't bolster anything until developers run away with it.... And knowing most apps developed for Linux are hardly of the greatest quality, and even more so rarely updated than those found on Windows.
0 Votes
+ -
Can we stop posting these unproven points about OSs
DevJonny Updated - 18th Aug 2010
@NStalnecker

"And knowing most apps developed for Linux are hardly of the greatest quality, and even more so rarely updated than those found on Windows."

I am assuming you're not talking about cross-platform software such as, Chrome, Firefox, VLC Player, Java, Python, Eclipse, which are all updated along side their Windows counterparts.

How can you tell that a piece of software is not being update for any other reason than the fact it's stable?

I don't notice Software updates on Ubuntu because they are handled through Update Manager along with OS updates.

On a complete tangent, I do like your avatar of Richard Dean Anderson. The guys a legend!
0 Votes
+ -
I think it's a minor issue.
Lester Young 16th Aug 2010
Linux distros will gain their followings by establishing their own identities with purposeful, thematically unified features, not adding features to keep up with the Joneses. Before Canonical jumps on the multitouch bandwagon, they need to ask themselves what the demand for multitouch support is likely to be with FOSS. Maybe if there's an Android-like app model in prospect for Ubuntu it would make sense. Multitouch multi-desktop functionality seems like a natural. Maybe there are prospects that such a theme could be carried over into applications.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
NCWeber 16th Aug 2010
I'd have to say that the multitouch is a nice addition, but it's not what people really want out of Linux. This is more of a "gravy" situation when they should be enhancing the beef. I don't think it's going to make a big change in how people see Ubuntu and Linux in general because they aren't doing the one thing that people expect: usable feature release. Android is the popular mobile OS it is because it was released to the public on dedicated devices designed to take advantage of it. If this had been released on a dedicated touch screen laptop or netbook, then perhaps it would take off. But Shuttleworth himself has said that Canonical isn't in the business of making hardware for Ubuntu (not his exact words, but the gist of it).

Now, if they could only make it so I never, ever have to use a CLI ever again in my life, I'd be a happy Ubuntu user...well, happiER anyway. happy
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
firebee 16th Aug 2010
Multitouch alone won't bolster adoption but, seen in the context with others features being worked upon like 10 second boot, App store like software center with apps available for sale and the new Unity touch interface (http://www.grillbar.org/wordpress/?p=494) things will start to get a little bit more interesting.
0 Votes
+ -
I hope not
patibulo 17th Aug 2010
As an Ubuntu user (actually Mint), I really hope Ubuntu and Linux don't get mainstream adoption. This is the only thing that has kept us from being a low-priority target to malware et all. I'm not trolling. I love Linux, I know we have apparmor, sandboxes, and whatever you want. But nevertheless, the low adoption is the biggest factor to deter criminals towards other platforms.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
AndyPagin 17th Aug 2010
@patibulo
The fact that its impossible to install anything dangerous without knowing the root (administrator) password, and utterly impossible to elevate privileges also helps a bit.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
CobraA1 17th Aug 2010
@AndyPagin

"The fact that its impossible to install anything dangerous without knowing the root (administrator) password"

Define "dangerous."

It won't be able to wipe the OS, sure, but then again it can still mess around with stuff at its own privilege level.

The latest versions of Windows are the same: You can't mess around with the OS without being an admin. I don't see how that's any different from Linux.

Elevation of privileges in Windows is basically the same as Linux - you need permission to proceed.

Yes, it is the case that the default single user setup it doesn't require a password.

Although to be honest, if we're talking a single user system, then the password doesn't really matter that much - permission is permission, with or without a password. If the user is making a mistake by giving the application permission, then it's a mistake whether or not there's a password.

In a single user environment in Vista/7, you're sort of a pseudo-admin by default. You can elevate to admin, but normally your "admin" account runs as a standard user rather than as a true admin.

In a multi-user environment, Vista/7 treats regulars users the same as any Linux OS: You can't do anything requiring admin privileges without the admin password. Period.

If you set up Windows with separate admin and user accounts, it will basically act the same as Linux.
0 Votes
+ -
to Troll or to not Troll --that not the question
oilbane 18th Aug 2010
""" I can answer that with a reassuring no. The linux people just don't get it. No one wants this "me too" OS no matter what they build into it to bloat it up. """
To ALL Linux Trolls why comment?? If Linux base OS's are not relevant then why are you posting? -- I'm making a statement, I am not asking a question. I have goods reasons for using a Linux base OS. So.. If you have some constructive comment to make please post. Linux and the Open Source community need constructive ideas! If you don't then please take your Apples and your window and stuff them into that place where the sun will not shine.
0 Votes
+ -
to Troll or to not Troll --that not the question
oilbane 18th Aug 2010
""" I can answer that with a reassuring no. The linux people just don't get it. No one wants this "me too" OS no matter what they build into it to bloat it up. """
To ALL Linux Trolls why comment?? If Linux base OS's are not relevant then why are you posting? -- I'm making a statement, I am not asking a question. I have goods reasons for using a Linux base OS. So.. If you have some constructive comment to make please post. Linux and the Open Source community need constructive ideas! If you don't then please take your Apples and your windows and stuff them into that place where the sun will not shine.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
jackson1984-24316069205748857739440257893812 10th Oct
I find out about a factor new on unique weblogs every single day. It may be mulberry bags outlet generally refreshing to learn because of posts of other bloggers and uncover a factor from them. Many thanks for sharing.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Ubuntu's multitouch move: Will it bolster adoption?
tomlin21-24319035676893835085146735905770 11th Oct
I do not in many circumstances reply to posts but I'll within this scenario, remarkable info'I will bookmark your internet site. Sustain the great nfl jersey complete

Join the conversation!

Formatting +
BB Codes - Note: HTML is not supported in forums
  • [b] Bold [/b]
  • [i] Italic [/i]
  • [u] Underline [/u]
  • [s] Strikethrough [/s]
  • [q] "Quote" [/q]
  • [ol][*] 1. Ordered List [/ol]
  • [ul][*] · Unordered List [/ul]
  • [pre] Preformat [/pre]
  • [quote] "Blockquote" [/quote]
ie8 fix

The best of ZDNet, delivered

ZDNet Newsletters

Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox

Facebook Activity

Blog Roll

Blog Archive

White Papers, Webcasts, & Resources
ie8 fix