Although Ubuntu Hardy Heron is still not expected for around two more months, Mark Shuttleworth has already announced the name and the basic goals of the version of Ubuntu after Hardy – Intrepid Ibex. The goals outlined so far are very broad and it will still be a long time before a full feature list will be worked out, but it is still interesting to get an idea of where Intrepid Ibex will be going.

The main focus of the announcement was on enabling better support for internet access wherever you are through “a variety of wireless technologies.” Here is a quote from the announcement:

“A particular focus for us will be pervasive internet access, the
ability to tap into bandwidth whenever and wherever you happen to
be. No longer will you need to be a tethered, domesticated animal -
you’ll be able to roam (and goats do roam!) the wild lands and
access the web through a variety of wireless technologies. We want
you to be able to move from the office, to the train, and home,
staying connected all the way.”

As the world is clearly moving in the direction of wireless internet (WiFi, 3G, WiMAX, whatever), it is good to see that Ubuntu will move in that direction too, particularly since connecting wirelessly with Ubuntu (and Linux in general) can be frustrating. This may also help Ubuntu play a bigger role in ultra-mobile devices, which is important since the market for these seems to be rapidly expanding.