Linux distributor Canonical is gearing for a release of Ubuntu OS for tablets early next year, as reported by the officials.

It is supposedly believed that Ubuntu for tablet computers will be a lightweight version of Canonical's full-strength Linux OS that will be customized to support multi-touch drivers. Ubuntu tablet OS will be rely on Ubuntu 10.10 operating system, codenamed 'Maverick Meerkat'.

It was further stated that Canonical is teaming with several other tablet computer makers and chip companies, including Texas Instruments and Freescale, to develop a tablet device running Ubuntu.

VP of OEM at Canonical, Chris Kenyon, stated: "The devices world is a really exciting space right now and we're really bullish on it and the company has broader and bigger ambitions than just netbooks".