Ubuntu / Linux news and application reviews.

Ubuntu Karmic Alpha 6 was released with a small delay and the most important new feature is the new Ubuntu Software Store (which a lot of people are saying should be renamed, actually). Ubuntu Software Store is temporarily located under System, with a plan to replace Add\Remove in the Beta release (screen-shots below).

karmic koala ubuntu software storekarmic koala ubuntu software storekarmic koala ubuntu alpha 6 screenshot


ubuntu karmic koala alpha 6

Another change in Karmic Alpha 6 is that the boot splash screen (Usplash) has been removed for improving the startup time. Ubuntu will now have an X-based splash screen (Xsplash - you can install it in Alpha 6 by using the following command: sudo apt-get install ubuntu-xsplash-artwork && sudo apt-get install xsplash ). Here is a video with the new Xsplash:




Also, the Indicator Applet can now open the Empathy Instant Messenger and/or the Evolution Mail client:

ubuntu karmic alpha 6 indicator applet



This week, the User Interface Freeze for Ubuntu Karmic Koala took place meaning no major changes will be made from the appearance point of view.

The Karmic Koala Release Schedule:

May 14th, 2009 - Alpha 1 release
June 11th, 2009 - Alpha 2 release
July 23rd, 2009 - Alpha 3 release
August 13th, 2009 - Alpha 4 release
September 3rd, 2009 - Alpha 5 release
September 17th, 2009 - Alpha 6 release
October 1st, 2009 - Beta release
October 22nd, 2009 - Release Candidate
October 29th, 2009 - Final release of Ubuntu 9.10

You might also want to see some screenshots with:

-What's New In Ubuntu Karmic Koala Alpha 5
-Karmic Koala Alpha 5 Installation Screenshots Tour

Download Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala Alpha 6: