Well I think it is about time we have a sneak peek at the development of the next version of the Ubuntu release, 12.04 ‘Precise Pangolin’. We will be posting weekly updates on Ubuntu 12.04 so that you can get all the latest news, information and features in Ubuntu.

The first thing I wish to point out about Ubuntu 12.04, is the fact that the new release will no longer be targeting the much loved final ~700MB CD sized ISO. At first, this came as a shock to the Ubuntu community. But any long term users and community members of Ubuntu will know that this is a debate which has been raging among the developers and users for some time. It was always inevitable that Ubuntu would grow beyond a mere 700MB ISO. It was a classic example of not “if”, but “when” it would happen. Fortunately, it has only grown an extra 50MB, which will push the final ISO up to ~750MB. So when Ubuntu 12.04 goes gold, it will require either DVD media or USB stick for installation.

I’m sure this next snippet of news will make the music nuts happy; Ubuntu will be bringing back Rhythmbox as the default audio player. Banshee’s stardom has been short lived. Complaints of lack of support and maintenance and basically a lot of incompatibilities prompted the decision to bring back Rhythmbox. Whether you’re a user of Rhythmbox or not, there’s no denying that its reinstatement is a good decision.

64 bit Linux has been around for a long time. Due to compatibility reasons, a 32 bit ISO has always been offered as the default download. Ubuntu 12.04 will be the first Ubuntu release to be offering a 64 bit ISO as the default download. I believe this should have been the decision some releases back as most, if not all, compatibility issues were ironed out some time ago. Advanced users have been touting 64 bit architecture as the best option. Now it looks to be more Ubuntu users will be moving to 64 bit also.

Ubuntu’s Software Center has been getting heavy attention by the developers. Software Center is always getting updated and tweaked and receives constant attention to make it the ultimate all-in-one software installation package. And probably the only graphical software installer you’ll ever need. Developers say that on a modern system Software Center should start in under 2 seconds. A nice improvement from the current ~10 seconds.

Whilst Wayland is still some way off, 12.04 will feature a preview of Wayland that can be installed for the advanced users who wish to test it out. But as previous releases, 12.04 is still reliant on X.Org as it’s primary X server.

Ubuntu 12.04 will be a Long-Term-Support release. Meaning there’s full support for up to five years. An absolute necessity for those business users of Ubuntu.

Keep a watch out for weekly updates on Ubuntu 12.04 on Unixmen.com

Next week, we take a look at Ubuntu’s exciting new Smart Menu and also Unity 5.0.

In the mean time, let us know what you’d like to see in Ubuntu.