Ubuntu 14.04 released, set to power 'first commercially available Ubuntu tablets'

Canonical has released Ubuntu 14.04 LTS edition for desktops and servers, while also incorporating an update to the versions of Ubuntu for phones and tablets.The company confirmed that Ubuntu 14.04 will power first commercially available Ubuntu tablets later this year.

"The early preview showcases the convergence vision and demonstrates applications that work across all Ubuntu devices. 14.04 LTS will also form the basis of the first commercially available Ubuntu tablets, from Canonical's OEM partners," Ubuntu said in a statement.

The LTS (Long Term Support) editions are released every two years and supported and maintained by Canonical for 5 years. The update is available as a free download.

"The 14.04 LTS release offers a solid, intuitive experience which is easy to manage," Jane Silber, CEO at Canonical comments. "It is a viable and affordable alternative for those organisations considering a switch from Microsoft, and specifically those replacing XP or Windows 7 as they come to the end of life."

Ubuntu 14.04 LTS also gives users an option to experience Unity 8, which is a next-generation interface currently running on Ubuntu phones and tablets. According to the company, it will bring a single experience with applications that can work across all multiple Ubuntu devices.

Ubuntu 14.04 LTS is optimised for desktops and laptops with multi-touch trackpads and touchscreens, as well as support for high pixel density (DPI) screens.

Ubuntu is currently sold across the world and Canonical is working closely with its hardware partners to further test and certify Ubuntu 14.04 LTS for their devices.

"Our project to replace Windows XP with Ubuntu on over 70,000 desktops is returning significant benefits; already we've lowered the total cost of ownership by a ratio of 40 percent, eliminated licence costs and radically reduced technical problems," commented Stephane Dumond, Chef Information and Security Officer at the French Gendarmerie.