Canonical has unveiled a new Ubuntu tablet interface today, which shares some of the Ubuntu Phone OS elements, but it also comes with new features such as a "Side Stage" which lets you use phone and tablet apps in the same time.
Side Stage - use phone and tablet apps in the same time
Side Stage is a new feature introduced with Ubuntu for tablets that allows users to "swipe through the right edge and you reveal phone apps running on your tablet. [...] Any tablet app that supports the phone layout will also fit in the Side Stage. You can have it loose or split the screen between the tablet and phone layout", says Mark Shuttleworth in the Ubuntu for tablets presentation video which you can watch at the end of the post.
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| Side stage |
The Ubuntu tablet will also share the Ubuntu Phone OS indicators design, home screen, lenses, HUD access via voice control and so on:
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| HUD - accessing the menu via voice control |
If you dock the phone to a larger touch interface, and Ubuntu presents the tablet interface with the phone apps running in the Side Stage. Add a keyboard and mouse and the tablet becomes a full PC, running all Ubuntu desktop applications or connect it to a TV and get Ubuntu for TV, all in one device.
More Ubuntu for tablet interface images:
Ubuntu tablet hardware requirements
The entry level consumer Ubuntu tablet (it doesn't support full desktop convergence) requires: dual-core Cortex A15 processor, 2GB RAM, minimum 8GB flash storage, 7-10 inch screen size and 4 fingers multi-touch.
High-end enterprise tablet (supports full desktop convergence) requirements: Quad-core A15 or Intel x86, 4GB of RAM, minimum 8GB of flash storage, 10-12 inch screen size and 4-10 fingers multi-touch.
Check out Mark Shuttleworth explaining Ubuntu for tablets in the video below:
(direct video link)
Ubuntu for tablets trailer:
(direct video link)
The Touch Developer preview, which includes the phone and tablet interfaces, should be available for download on 21st February 2013.
Ubuntu on tablets will be showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week (25-28 February).
For more information, see: http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/tablet
