Ubuntu today announced the launch of their Mobile Linux OS, yet another open-source competitor for the Mobile Internet Device (MID) market.  Out of the box, Ubuntu are promising full web 2.0 and AJAX compatibility, including Flash and Java support, together with media playback, GPS and 3D graphics.   MID devices are the brainchild of Intel, intended as an ideal platform for their power-miserly Silverthorne chipset, and Ubuntu are keen to stress their close work with the silicon manufacturer to fully integrate the Mobile OS.  There also seems to have been some Apple watching going on, as their GUI uses similar swipes, gestures and stylus-free taps to navigate.

Two interfaces have been shown, the aptly-named ‘Clutter’ shown above in green, and ‘Flash User’ below which removes much of the extraneous options.   Ubuntu will be leaving the hardware up to OEMs and ODMs, but envisage MID devices to have touchscreens between 4 and 7-inches, multiple wireless connectivity (including WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G or WiMAX), GPS, 2GB to 8GB of flash storage, OpenGL 3D acceleration, a camera and optional hardware keyboard.

[via Digg]