DeviceGuru

Canonical Ltd., commercial sponsor of Ubuntu Linux, says it’s porting Ubuntu to the ARM RISC processor architecture. Ubuntu on ARM will target netbooks and other emerging device categories requiring a “rich, always-connected, mobile computing experience, without compromising battery life.”

The ARM version of Ubuntu initially will support the ARMv7 RISC architecture, including SoCs (system-on-chip processors) based on ARM Ltd’s Cortex-A8 and Cortex-A9 cores, according to the companies.

“The always-on experience available with mobile devices is rapidly expanding to new device categories such as netbooks, laptops and other internet connected products,” ARM VP of marketing Ian Drew said in a statement. “The release of a full Ubuntu desktop distribution supporting latest ARM technology will enable rapid growth, with internet everywhere, connected ultra portable devices,”

“This is a natural development for Ubuntu, driven by the demand from manufacturers for an ARM technology-based version,” added Canonical COO Jane Silber.

The Ubuntu ARM distribution for desktops and netbooks is expected to be released in April of 2009, the companies said. For further details visit the websites of Canonical Ltd and ARM Ltd.