The latest release of Ubuntu is scheduled to hit the net in final form on Sunday, and Canonical has been doing the rounds letting everyone know what to expect. However, one of the big new features of Maverick Meerkat isn't a redesigned interface or a new kernel, but something a little more ethereal.
Along with the latest version of the OS, Canonical is launching Ubuntu One - a multiplatform personal cloud-storage service that will be integrated into the operating system. The free, or 'Basic', version will provide 2GB of storage to sync and store any files on the company's servers which will be accessible from anywhere through a web browser.
If that isn't enough space, you can opt to add a '20-pack' at any time, adding an extra 20GB of storage to the service. This will cost $2.99 (£2.33 inc VAT) per month or $29.99 (£23.40 inc VAT) for an entire year, and multiple 20-packs can be combined to suit your needs.
Where things get really interesting is with Ubuntu One Mobile. For $3.99 (£3.11 inc VAT) per month or $39.99 (£31.20 inc VAT), it's possible to upgrade the service to enable unlimited music streaming from the cloud to an iOS 4 or Android handset. It'll also be possible to sync contacts and eventually photos to the app.
In another nod to the world outside of Linux, Canonical will be releasing an Ubuntu One sync-client for Windows. Though it will only be entering beta when released to the public, it allows files to be synced between Ubuntu and any Windows machine, easily keeping everything up to date across multiple different boxes.
This is another interesting move for Canonical as it strives to provide a more complete - almost 'Apple-like' - platform for its users. It will also be in direct competition with services like Apple's MobileMe and Microsoft's Windows Live Mesh.
More information on Ubuntu One can be found at the official site where you can sign up for the free Basic package now.
