Ubuntu: "Places"

Mark Shuttleworth recently wrote a great little blog post entitled 'Holistic UI is smarter UX' in which he explains how UI elements are better when they are aware of their surroundings, i.e (from his post) delaying notifications when the mouse is moving in the area where they appear.

The Ubuntu for Android and Ubuntu TV projects are less subtle extensions of this philosophy, software that adjusts based on it's surroundings whether that's a TV (taking on a UI suitable for a TV) or a phone in a lapdock (displaying full Ubuntu).

We can go a step further

Ubuntu adjusts to what device we're using it on because devices have different capabilities and uses, but where we use these devices is also an important factor as to how we use them. 

For example:

• When i am using Ubuntu on my laptop at home i would normally just be surfing the web, managing various social networks, chatting, checking emails or watching videos.
• Yet if i was using in an office, the chat and social aspects of Ubuntu would be a distraction to me while i'd be trying to work using productivity apps.

Other places will vary from people to people be it friend's houses, outdoors or the library.

In February, Canonical announced  Ubuntu Business Desktop Remix, a version of Ubuntu aimed at enterprise use sporting the most common changes made by businesses using Ubuntu. It's a good idea, but i don't think it needs a separate download. 

A truly mobile OS

One of Ubuntu & Linux's main strengths is it's flexibility, it runs everywhere and Ubuntu could play on that by making the system truly dynamic.

How?

Using either location services or simply just basing it on what network the device is connected to the user could set up what i'm dubbing 'Places'.

You assign a location or preferably a network to a place and when you are there Ubuntu adapts to the requirements you set (with a few default settings i.e, my place, work place, school place). The Ubuntu Business Desktop Remix could be incorporated as the default setting for 'Work Place", eliminating the need for a separate download.

A few settings suggestions:

My place

• Startup applications: Chat, social, browser
• Settings: Medium volume, status available
• Launcher defaults: Games, music

Work place

• Startup applications: Email, word processor, chat
• Settings: Muted volume, local chat only
• Launcher defaults: Office apps

(Not sure how it would work but a network that defined it's own 'Place' settings would be of great use to an office place)

Or create your own

Thoughts?