TooMuchGreen

Only a few weeks to go until the final version of Karmic (Ubuntu 9.10) arrives and already I’m really liking the BETA, it “looks” the part. Yes, I know it offers expanded virtualisation options, faster boot times, improved Netbook support and a host of other technical tweaks and enhancements however aside from code-line geekery it seems we’re finally gelling into something smooth, attractive and recognisably cool.

End users are a demanding bunch and even if an operating system offers (as Ubuntu does) inherent stability, reduced TCO, ease of install & operation and comes packaged with a full suite of the latest and finest licence free business and media productivity applications it’s still nowhere enough for them, they want their eye candy too and with Karmic it seems they’re going to get it.

“Cool” starts with the new top lit ghost-white imagery at install/log-on and it really is both smooth and sharp. Dropping colour from the Ubuntu logo in favour of soft focus plain white is a most inspired touch and pushes operating system brand ID past anything MS and well up toward Mac territory, most excellent, simple (if done correctly) is always better, after all Apple themselves have made a living out of just that.

On the desktop we’re greeted with a new batch of wallpapers and a new icon set (Humanity) both of which are pleasant additions and when combined with the darkroom window theme offer a sophisticated but powerfully pleasing workspace.

I’d like to see the new “soft-white” Ubuntu icon look further exploited and integrated around the OS in general, the old yellow and orange vibe was a good starting point but it’s had it’s day I reckon, white is the new…..orange?