Mark Shuttleworth this week announced what the next version of the Linux open-source operating system (OS) Ubuntu will be known as.

 

According to geek.com, Natty Narwhal (Ubuntu 11.04) looks set to join Lucid Lynx (Ubuntu 10.04) and Maverick Meerkat (Ubuntu 10.10, which is still in the testing phase) by 28 April 2011.

 

“The Narwhal, as an Arctic (and somewhat endangered) animal, is a fitting reminder of the fact that we have only one spaceship that can host all of humanity (trust me, a Soyuz won’t do for the long haul to Alpha Centauri),” Shuttleworth wrote on his blog.

 

“And Ubuntu is all about bringing the generosity of all contributors in this functional commons of code to the widest possible audience, it’s about treating one another with respect, and it’s about being aware of the complexity and diversity of the ecosystems which feed us, clothe us and keep us healthy. Being a natty narwhal, of course, means we have some obligation to put our best foot forward. First impressions count, lasting impressions count more, so let’s make both and make them favourable.”

 

In related news, Shuttleworth also announced this week that multi-touch functionality is coming to Ubuntu’s upcoming 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) release. In Unity (the netbook edition of 10.10) for example the window management will be gesture-enabled, allowing users with touch-screens or multi-touch pads to perform a host of multi-touch finger gestures.

 

Ubuntu 10.10’s new features are expected to eventually support a variety of touch devices, such as Apple’s Magic Trackpad.