We have embedded a video below which shows a completely new heads-up display which will apparently be built into Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin, however we can’t quite work out whether this is a bit of a gimmick or something which will seamlessly integrate itself into the way use our computers forever.

The basic ideas is that the new HUD will replace the seemingly never-ending menu structure built into applications, instead just call up the HUD begin typing (or narrate) the function you want to use and it’s there for you, select it and voila, it’s done. Want to print? Simply tap Alt to call up the HUD and say or begin typing print and the correct options will display. Obviously there’s lots of keyboard shortcuts which nullify the need for some of these functions, but when you’re using an unfamiliar application it should really help you out.

The main criticism from many is that it almost seems as if it would be easier to click on menu items rather than using the new HUD, we guess time will tell. Another issue is that if you’re new to an application how do you know which menu items there are to call up? More complex software titles sometimes have hundreds of functions which you never discover unless you have a look through the menus, so this is something which Ubuntu’s developers will have to take into consideration.

By the looks of things the HUD will be enabled by default, but it will be optional, in our opinion it will suit tablet users much more than those who have a keyboard and mouse. The commands available will depend on the applications you use, check out the video below and you’ll get see a taster of what to expect. You can see a more in-depth look at the HUD here.

Do you think the new HUD is a gimmick or a great new feature?

A recent article posted over at PCWorld.com has some early details regarding the release of Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin, apparently this won’t be a major update, but when it does arrive power saving improvements will have been made.

One fix which will be part of the update will address a PCI Express Active State Power Management (ASPM) issue, whilst developers are currently working on a resolution for a problem relating to Aggressive Link Power Management (ALPM). There is also talk of putting “USB and PCI controllers of devices such as webcams, wireless, Ethernet and Bluetooth into a lower power state”, however as you can probably understand any fix which makes it into the 12.04 build will need positive feedback from the beta testers etc.

Usually new versions of Ubuntu are rolled out every six months, this will probably mean that Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin will arrive in April or thereabouts, when we get it we will definately be testing it out to see just how many extra minutes of battery life we can squeeze out of our batteries! It is not just battery life which is going to benefit from lower power consumption, it is great for the environment as well, think of the millions of computers around the world which will be consuming less watts of power, you never know your electricity bills may even drop very slightly!

What other improvements need to make it into Ubuntu 12.04? Personally I think that the Unity user interface could do with some work…