quantal quetzal

Ubuntu presents the user a full-fledged operating system, featuring a polished desktop filled with high-quality applications, and, on-demand, integration with Ubuntu One, powerful online platform for cloud storage, usable via both the desktop and its online-based Dashboard.

Judging by the latest updates, it seems that a new sharing capability is to further enhance Ubuntu One's overall experience, introducing, along with the already present folder view, account details, etc, a sharing functionality.

GNOME Contacts is a handy utility, allowing the user to easily create, edit and manage accounts via a double-sided approach, meaning, GNOME Contacts ca be used for both locally-based and online contacts ("covering" online services such as Facebook, Google, Windows Live, etc).

The web is definitely playing a relevant role in Quantal, under the umbrella of Ubuntu Web Apps, exciting approach focused on making the web a first class citizen for the Ubuntu desktop.

At the moment, Quantal Quetzal is going through serious enhancements, refining, improving and strengthening numerous parts of Ubuntu.

A new version of Compiz 0.9.8 has just landed in Ubuntu 12.10, adding a solid amount of fixes and under-the-hood enhancements, as well as new (non-default) plugins, suitable to be used under Quantal's refreshed Compiz.

Days ago, Nautilus 3.5.90 was released, reducing the "immense" gap between the "old" Nautilus' features and prior-to-3.5.90's, "reconstruction" effort materialized via the new addition of extra buttons on the toolbar (useful for 1-click away actions) and properly organized relevant actions into the top-right "gear".

Accessing local documentation, search through Wikipedia, list online-based pictures, access news, etc, are actions doable via lenses, handy Dash additions that gather both local and online data being hassle-free available for users, in situations like opening the Help lens, typing compiz, and clicking (and thus opening) the displayed local and online items.

Quantal Quetzal is definitely an exciting Ubuntu development cycle, where, judging by the latest weeks' announcements, are to land new fresh technologies, a solid step towards real innovation featuring both bold and creative ideas, focused on delivering high-quality desktop and "online" experiences.

Quantal Quetzal is gradually coming to its final release, yet, there are still exciting additions to be strengthened and landed in the default installation, such as the already announced Web Apps, the fancy Previews, etc.

The developers choose wallpapers to be used by default (and thus exposed to millions and millions of users) via a community contest, where, basically, creative users submit wallpapers, wallpapers voted, tested on different screen sizes, resolutions, etc, then landed in the default installation.

Transitioning from the 2.x series to the (at the moment) 3.x series, clarified a new direction for Nautilus via a double-sided approach, both removing features and adding features, process that, according to various GNOME developers, was necessary (in the sense of removing "old" features to make space for landing fresh new features, latter backed by a new design direction).

Nautilus 3.5.90 has just landed in Ubuntu 12.10, introducing exciting additions, that are to enhance its overall usability and look&feel.

According to various rumors and official statements, a new icon theme is to land in Ubuntu in the future, nevertheless, the arrival time and its state (probably in progress, at the moment) haven't been communicated, yet the good part is the official acknowledgement that a new icon theme is a matter of interest for developers.

Nevertheless, minor yet relevant icon additions are landing in Ubuntu across its development cycles, introducing, with each occasion, changes in key areas of the desktop, usually where a change is needed.