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Windows 8 isn't the only upcoming operating system that's kicking traditional GUI models to the curb. Ubuntu Linux is getting in on the paradigm-breaking action with the introduction of "The HUD" (yes, that means Heads-Up Display) in the next version of Ubuntu. No, Ubuntu's HUD has nothing to do with tracking ammo or teammates; instead, it's a new "Vocabulary UI" that aims to crush, kill and eventually replace the standard file menus we've used for over 30 years.
Basically, the tree-branching file menus found in, well, virtually every application ever is replaced by a simple search bar, which updates options in real-time as you type or say what you want the program to do. For example, in the video above, typing "Plan" in Firefox pulls up an option to return to the previously visited "Planet Ubuntu" web page. The video shows Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth displaying how the HUD works with browsing, CAD editing, messaging and media viewing. We highly recommend watching it; seeing how the HUD works is much more helpful than reading how it works.
And before you ask, yes, the HUD can be used to control both the focused application "as well as system functionality; you can change IM state, or go offline in Skype, all through the HUD, without changing focus, because those apps all talk to the indicator system." So sayeth Shuttleworth in an in-depth introductory blog post. And yes, the traditional menus will still be there, too -- at least for now.
Any application that supports the global menu will be able to use the HUD in the upcoming Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. (Hopefully; the HUD might not quite make the cut for the next go-round.) If you want more nitty gritty details about how the Ubuntu HUD works -- it involves fuzzy matching, a learning function, and more -- be sure to check out Shuttleworth's blog post.
The Ubuntu HUD looks nifty, but we'll hold out on any official judgments until we get our grubby little paws on an operating system that supports it. Shuttleworth thinks the HUD will eventually replace all menus in the Unity interface. Do you agree, or do you think it will make long-term Ubuntu lovers yearn for the good ol' GNOME days?
Comments are closed on this article
dandoz
April 11, 2012 at 1:06pm
Maybe it's because I like Spotlight/Quicksilver on the Mac so much and I'm already a user of Gnome Do that I like this as much as I do. For that matter, in Windows 7, I don't even bother going through Explorer, I hit Start Button and start typing and it's far easier.
If you're a fast typer, this is a great productivity tool.
thefuzz4
January 25, 2012 at 9:47am
The Gnome Shell already does this to a certain extent. When you go to activities there is a search box to type in the name of the program that you want to use. I like it as I can move a lot faster with it rather than sifting through the menus. For those of you who have the Unity desktop and really don't like it, there are guides on the net to install classic Gnome. It is still Gnome Shell but with the classic look. It won't have all of the same functionality as the gnome that we're used to but it is workable. Check out some of the videos on YouTube of gnome shell. Besides if you don't like Gnome there is always KDE.
ShyLinuxGuy
January 25, 2012 at 12:28am
I swore on Ubuntu...
...but now I use Pinguy OS.
Unity just isn't my forte, it just doesn't work for me. Thought I had liked it, but it's just like my girlfriend: Sexy, yet complex (I'm not bragging =P; and before anyone asks, I love my girlfriend despite her complexity--it's what makes her better though). This move seems to make it worse, from what I'm gathering. I could be wrong though.
ShyLinuxGuy
January 25, 2012 at 12:36am
I just realized...my girlfriend would KILL me for comparing her to some UI...(I go run and hide)...oh, no!
Hoodsey
January 24, 2012 at 10:25pm
Arch Linux.
Roll your own, don't like something change it. It's not for the feint of heart, but those that read through the Beginner's Guide on the Wiki will absolutely love it.
maxeeemum
January 24, 2012 at 8:52pm
Looks like the last ditch attempt to save "Unity". Most average PC users just want to click on a icon. They don't want to type Ctrl + C to copy they just want to click on the copy icon.
This reminds me of the Windows Vista based OSs search that I hate. Everything is hidden and you have to search for it. Good Luck Ubuntu!
If you want a great easy to use Linux OS try "Linux Mint". They listen to their users and have been doing great things to promote Linux to the new and current users.
joebob
January 24, 2012 at 8:48pm
Well all these bells and whistles are fine and dandy, if Canonical can get the d*mn crap to work. Although I think its great the Ubuntu is trying to be creative so that Linux can stand out to the pc and casual crowd, but it seems with every new iteration of Ubuntu their Unity UI becomes even more broken, obtuse, and useless. Makes me want to go back to 10.04, or at least back to that frumpy ol' OSX/windows XP chimera desktop UI known as Gnome.
lordmidnight
January 24, 2012 at 7:00pm
I noticed on the lock screen demonstration, the option came up as "device: lock screen." This looks like it's being set up to function as the interface for the Ubuntu smartphone/tablet OS as well as the desktop version.
rstat1
January 24, 2012 at 7:37pm
Not necessarily. Windows has had a lock screen button since it gained the ability to have user accounts. Before smartphones and tablets even existed.
punditguy
January 24, 2012 at 5:20pm
This is sexy as hell. I have no idea what you guys are smoking. Being able to call up context-sensitive help that actually affects the program I'm trying to do something with? That's like free productivity.
Web browsers must have really pissed you off with all that URL typing they expect you to do.
Engelsstaub
January 24, 2012 at 4:31pm
I have Ubuntu 11.10 installed on a computer and it runs the old GNOME interface just fine. You have to just laugh at crybabies and distro-jumpers who keep whining about interface changes. It doesn't take any serious skill or knowledge to install optional interfaces.
"I don't like Unity! I'm switching to Fedora! ... I don't like GNOME 3! I'm switching to Linux Mint! ..."
People that can't adapt their distro to meet their needs really shouldn't admit to being Linux-users.
illusionslayer
January 24, 2012 at 6:56pm
It's almost as if you believe there's only one real distro.
Multiple distros exist for the specific reason of letting people choose what they want without having to argue with they're computer.
Erris
January 24, 2012 at 3:45pm
So instead of just clicking on what I want with the mouse while reclining in my chair, I now have to pull a text box and type?
I don't think this is a very good idea.
ApathyCurve
January 25, 2012 at 7:51am
And that's why it will fail. Real interface improvement means less keyboard usage rather than more, but PenguinHeads have a difficult time understanding that concept -- probably because most of them think command-line strings are entertaining. I got a bellyful of that crap in the '70s and '80s, so I'll pass, thanks. (I installed Ubuntu on a spare laptop a few years ago and found it to be much like something you'd buy from a gift shop: very cool to look at and fiddle around with for a few minutes, but ultimately useless.)
Now, if it were entirely voice-driven it might work. But we're still a long way from that, as smooth and error-free interpretation of colloquial syntax remains completely beyond the ability of computer software to process. We'll get Star Trek-style computers someday... but not today. And probably not tomorrow, either.
Trooper_One
January 24, 2012 at 1:30pm
Eeek, a command style GUI? That's bound to fail.
The reason why Windows is popular while the old Linux never caught is is all about typing in commands (which the users have to memorize).
I'm glad bygones days of DOS are well behind us and Ubuntu should really move away from typing in commands to perform a function.
Menus are tried and true and if they want to do something, they'll have to think like Metro-tiles.
Nimrod
January 24, 2012 at 3:48pm
Are you guys all freaken retarded or something? Did you not watch the video? What they showed is EXACTLY what i was just wishing i had a few weeks ago. Its not a "command interface" you morons. Its a search function for all the functions of the program. Are you idiots blind or something? Did you NOT see all the menus and icons on the left hand side? How is typing the first 2 letters of a function you dont know how to find SLOWER than rooting around for it in the menus and drop down lists?
Stick to your day jobs.
ApathyCurve
January 25, 2012 at 7:54am
Look, it's a PenguinHead! Quick, throw a net over it and toss it back in its basement before it hurts itself.
Phoenix.
January 24, 2012 at 1:52pm
The metro-tiles aren't the way to go either. I think Microsoft is going to have another vista / ME on their hands when Windows 8 releases. Running full screen apps all the time on a desktop isn't appealing at all, and having to go into classic mode every start up and go back into a full screen interface to launch applications isn't going to be a bang up hit outside of the tablet market. I know you can bring back the start menu by tweaking the registry but that's not exactly going to be a mainstream option either.
The way things were with gnome 2 was good, there wasn't any need for commands, at least in Ubuntu, but based off the way you're speaking it sounds like you're saying there was, which leads me to believe you haven't really tried Ubuntu, at least in the past couple years.
rstat1
January 24, 2012 at 7:42pm
And it doesn't look like this will be a required function.
Also, how do you know that? Did you go around to every one of the billion and half Windows users and ask them what they thought of Windows 8? No? Then you don't know how well W8 will fair in the market. Plus you might try using it before spewing BS such as this, on an article that has nothing at all to do with Windows.
Phoenix.
January 24, 2012 at 7:54pm
I said I think that it will be a failure and gave reasons why I thought that. It's called formulating my own opinion. I'm sorry if you got your feelings hurt because I apparently don't share your opinion, but I'm sure you'll get over it when you turn 13.
Also I did try it, used it for a solid 3 weeks on a test machine, tried to get used to the MetroUI, thinking maybe if I gave it some time it would grow on me, but I just wound up hating it more. Maybe you should stop attacking people for their opinions like an ignorant jackass and making wild assumptions about what they've done.
Neufeldt2002
January 24, 2012 at 1:22pm
Sorry, the last thing I want to do when working with any program is to do a bunch of typing.
Nimrod
January 24, 2012 at 3:49pm
yeah because you dont know how to work quickly. productivity is not for you, buy a mac.
Neufeldt2002
January 25, 2012 at 8:41am
I know how to work quickly, but tell me why I should have to press a key or click on a icon then type what I am looking for when I can do the same thing quicker without typing? As far as the Mac comment, I'll just ignore that, as I will compile Linux from source and run strictly a command line before I buy a Mac computer.
Mobius
January 24, 2012 at 1:19pm
I am an Ubuntu user, and even converted my whole family. However, I have not been happy with the user interface they have lately been releasing, since 11.04 I think. To me it feels like we are unable to have full control any more over a system that allows us to customise everything. I like my old fashioned Gnome, with my old fashioned menus.
loozer
January 24, 2012 at 1:14pm
Is ubuntu trying to commit suicide? I stopped caring about linux when Ubuntu and Gnome3 got rid of the bottom bar. It like like they're gearing up to finally completely murder any chances linux has in the mainstream desktop market.
j814wong
January 24, 2012 at 4:35pm
Then you might as well also give up on Windows 8 or any OS that tries to do something new.
