Ubuntu 12.10

Coming out shortly is Ubuntu 12.10, currently it is available to be downloaded using the http://releases.ubuntu.com as Beta 2. 

I've been trialling ubuntu 12.10 for the past couple of weeks using the live method, and my desktop is Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. 

Some of the improvements or changes in 12.10 are: 

• Linux Kernel is 3.5.4 
• Python 3.2, it doesn't ship with v2 but this can be easily installed
• A CD Image is no longer supported, those who want to try out Ubuntu 12.10 will need to either use a USB or a DVD
• Update Manager has been renamed to Software Updater
• The Dash now includes commercial results via the Shopping Lens, Canonical will get a kick back from you shopping which supports future Ubuntu releases
• Includes WebApps within the Launcher, specifically Amazon and Ubuntu One Music Store
• LibreOffice is shipped with version 3.6.1 and is integrated into the HUD

So should you upgrade to 12.10 when it is released, especially considering the Long Time Support (LTS) ? 

So my current version Ubuntu on the desktop is 12.04 LTS, and my preferred desktop at this stage is Gnome 3+. Based on the changes that are available in the Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 1/2, most of the change updates can be updated manually to bring you in line with 12.10 (i.e Python and LibreOffice). 

There's been some noticeable enhancements for Unity which makes it a little more usable, specifically the ability to move icons from the launcher etc... 

For now, my thoughts are that I can do without the upgrade. 

Amazon baked into the Dash

The Dash search results will also include a search on Amazon, this is a simplifies the search results for those who enjoy online shopping. Canonical will gain a kick back, not sure what the amount is, this of course will help Canonical support future versions of Ubuntu. 

Personally, it's very rare that I use Amazon for shopping. I do some times use the feedback and user reviews of products from Amazon to get understanding of the products based on real life user feedback. However, since I'm in Australia and most things contain shipping costs and I cannot take advantage of some of the free shipping offers from Amazon I normally tend to use other websites to purchase products. 

These commercial searches and activated by default and you can be turned it off within the System Settings, which is not a complex change. 

I read an Article on Business Insider not long ago about Google's immediate Threats, and I can understand why Google would be worried. The article basically states that Google generally obtains its revenue from searches, and offers links to products these attribute to about 20% of its revenue. When users don't use google to search for products and use alternative methods, then this eats into the 20% of its revenue. 

There's a short video on Business Insider that also summarises the article.