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Canonical causes a ruckus by asking which new apps users want on Ubuntu
But because it's Linux -- and because Linux and open source are intertwined so tightly in the minds of many -- things get a little dicey when there's mention of closed source software being packaged with Ubuntu by default.
Take the recent survey they posted. It's a reasonable enough request - which apps would you like to see in Ubuntu which currently aren't available? Where the trouble arises is with the selections listed in the survey, apparently: Photoshop, iTunes, Skype, Hulu.
Oh god, no! What the hell are they thinking?!
I'll tell you what. They're thinking that Ubuntu needs those apps in order to appeal to a much broader group of people. Windows still owns the desktop computer market, and the lack of recognizable apps like iTunes keeps many people from even considering Linux as an alternative.
It's the truth, whether the Ubuntu community wants to admit it or not. I've tried to extol the virtues of Linux to plenty of retail customers and more than one has replied "can I run iTunes on it?" When I say no, their interest disappears completely.
Bringing apps like those mentioned would be a bold move by Canonical, but one that would indeed pay off in the long run.
[via webupd8]
Comments
14
Subscribe to commentsjeff.siegelJan 17th 2010 10:59AM
You're exactly correct. The world would be a better place if all software was open source. But when I switched from Vista piece of crap to Ubuntu, I had to give up Windows Live Writer, which is not only the greatest piece of software Microsoft has ever done, but an outstanding piece of software regardless. I miss it, and it would make Ubuntu perfect if it was supported. I don't use Photoshop or iTunes, but I understand that people do use them would feel the same way.
3tearJan 17th 2010 11:23AM
When they say Photoshop, do they mean a trial version will be installed?
Praveen PremchandranJan 18th 2010 1:43PM
I'm guessing that this poll should maybe coerce Adobe and other big-wigs to start making apps on/for linux? the same way they've always worked on dual platforms, now a trio of platforms to develop for?
dwightedwards77Jan 17th 2010 11:32AM
I have to say I guess you can just give it time it will be coming in the near future when we do see Linux having some kind of way for people to use iTunes and have something like Photoshop, it's getting that way all most everytime we have have a new distribution of Ubuntu and Linux software.
For me I am a very big Ubuntu fanboy and I am also a Mandriva Fanboy, so over all I enjoy both systems!
-Dwight
joeysneddonJan 17th 2010 11:37AM
I love how the internet has taken this survey and blown it out of all proportion...
The original post in which Matthew Helmke (Ubuntu Council Member) presented the survey stated clearly that this list was neither indicative nor definitive and was simply designed to engage opinions.
There's no way you're going to find a £400 photo-editor sat for free on the next live-cd, just as you're never going to see Apple port iTunes over to Linux - the cost would out-mount the return.
Ubuntu is likely aware there is an appetite for these applications - and many would work via WINE - however i highly doubt Adobe would see any significant increase in sales of Photoshop were WINE support worked on (and it certainly wouldn't be Adobe funding WINE development). Nor would people parting £400 for a piece of software be happy running it at half-power, with kinks and caveats.
You also fail to mention/notice that the majority of the applications in the list are either already available for Ubuntu/Linux (Hulu, Skype) or work flawlessly via WINE (Spotify, Picasa).
Lee MathewsJan 17th 2010 11:54AM
I didn't bother mentioning their _availability_ because that's not really part of this particular issue.
The issue is shipping apps like this _by default_ with Ubuntu, am I right?
And I'm not blowing anything out of proportion - just pointing out that this is an important first step and a necessary one if Ubuntu wants a shot at going mainstream.
c-macJan 17th 2010 11:56AM
See, I don't think they have any intention of actually brining Photoshop or iTunes or Steam to Ubuntu in an official sense, I think they just want to find out what kind of apps people are looking for and what they would like to see in Ubuntu.
The fact is, as others have noted, Adobe has absolutely no incentive to try to develop Photoshop for Linux. None. And frankly, as Mac users still have to wait for CS5 to get 64-bit support (yeah, yeah, I understand that they are having to basically rewrite half the app -- I don't care, it's annoying when a big part of your demographic can't utilize more RAM in freaking Photoshop), I don't want the already taxed teams spending time on a platform that won't embrace it anyway. But that's just me being selfish.
Lee MathewsJan 17th 2010 12:15PM
That's a good point, too, and it's obviously something they're focused on - what with the removal of Gimp and addition of Empathy.
In terms of public perception, these apps would be a huge win for Ubuntu. As you say, though, there's just not a lot of reason for companies like Valve and Adobe to develop for Linux just yet because of the comparatively small install base.
tracker1Jan 17th 2010 6:13PM
Honestly, I'd say they are considering putting some developer time and or funding into WINE and wanting to know which apps to put a higher focus on compatibility for. If they (Canonical) would buy out CodeWeavers, they could integrate the offering, while still supporting the Crossover Mac port.
I'd read into it more from the perspective of pushing WINE into the default install, and possibly improving the WINE experience a bit.
KeegdnaBJan 17th 2010 4:45PM
Most of them would be be good additions, except itunes.
Never gonna happen, but I had to put Zune in the suggestion box
miskenJan 17th 2010 6:49PM
No, these closed-source (freeware) software will likely be added to the Ubuntu repository and WILL NOT be installed by default. That is illegal and infringement of copyright licenses. For closed-source software that costs money, it will probably just be sold at retail stores and installed with a disk.
AemonyJan 18th 2010 1:00AM
Somehow I feel this really tells everything you'll need to know about Ubuntu. Heck, we don't have enough good applications that are suitable replacements for the Windows/Mac counterparts, so let's just port those and hopefully win more users!
While Ubuntu and other Ubuntu-based distrobutions have come a long way of making Linux easier to use they are still way behind Windows and Macintosh. I still have nightmares about wanting to uninstall bluetooth support in Nautilius though Synaptic and losing both Nautilius, GNOME and Ubuntu-desktop package in the progress.
Instead of porting the most popular applications focus on making a great and competitive replacement application that has a good user interface and UI.
GavJan 18th 2010 2:26AM
Picasa is already available for Linux... odd.
JohnBUKJan 18th 2010 5:46PM
As a new user of Ubuntu for both mine and my wife's laptops (we're in our late 50s early 60s) I am delighted with it's speed and practicality over Windows XP and Vista. However I still have to dual-boot to Vista to run two web sites via Net Objects Fusion, Microsoft Money, and Adobe PS Elements. I'm not sure what the ultimate aim of the Linux community is but if it's to increase it's usage then it has to consider the issues of getting people to overcome "legacy" issues of using good working windows-based software relatively easily. I appreciate there are good Linux alternatives but sometimes the "cost" of transferring can be too high in terms of effort and or indeed skill levels.
Finally, I know this is sacrilege but I don't necessarily expect anything for "free". I applaud the concept of open-source but don't expect others to do things for me for nothing (their children need food and shelter just as mine did).