<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mark-Shuttleworth-Ubuntu-fr-Karmic.jpg">Wikipedia/Nitot</a>Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth</div></div></div>Canonical is a 650-employee software company best known for its version of the Linux operating system. Now its rich-and-famous, dare-devil founder, Mark Shuttleworth, is trying to re-create Canonical into the next Apple, knocking Google Android out along the way.
Shuttleworth made his money in 1999 when he sold his first company, Thawte, to VeriSign for <a href="http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/266911">a reported $570 million</a>. He gained worldwide fame 2002 when <a href="http://www.markshuttleworth.com/biography">he paid to fly into space</a> with the Russian cosmonauts. (Rumor is, it cost him $20 million.)
As of 2013, he's guided Canonical into <a href="http://arstechnica.com/business/2014/01/ubuntu-maker-boosted-revenue-in-2013-but-doubled-loss-to-21-million/">a $66 million private company</a> mostly by selling its flavor of Linux software and its version of cloud computing software to enterprises.
But it's known in the Linux world for its PC software, called Ubuntu. Ubuntu is an easy-to-use Linux alternative to Mac or Windows popular with those who want to use free and open-source software, but don't want to hack everything together on their own.
For the past few years, Canonical has been trying to expand its desktop operating system into phones, tablets, and internet TV. Shuttleworth <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mark-shuttleworth-turning-ubuntu-into-the-next-apple-2012-4">first discussed his vision with Business Insider in 2012</a>, shortly after announcing a cloud service intended to compete with iTunes and Dropbox called Ubuntu One. People could use it to buy music and store documents.
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Silber">Wikipedia/Canonical UK</a>Canonical CEO Jane Silber</div></div>But it's harder to compete with Apple than it seems.
In April, Canonical <a href="http://blog.canonical.com/2014/04/02/shutting-down-ubuntu-one-file-services/">CEO Jane Silber</a> announced that she was shutting down Ubuntu One, saying that "the free storage wars aren't a sustainable place for us to be."
Despite the death of its music and cloud storage service, Silber tells us that Canonical is still full-steam ahead with its devices, and will <a href="https://insights.ubuntu.com/2014/02/19/canonical-announces-first-partners-to-ship-ubuntu-phones-around-the-globe/">launch its first crop of smartphones this year starting with Asia and Europe.</a> Eventually, it plans to offer tablets and internet TV devices, too.
We talked with Silber and asked her about the company's plans.
BI: So your big initiative is smartphones, tablets, and internet TV devices. Why would you want to take on companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google?
Jane Silber: If you look at the phone industry five years ago you would said the same thing about Nokia and BlackBerry. They're big. Their dominant. They've been largely displaced.
I don't think the status quo is permanent. And I don't think the status quo is desirable, either for end users of the industry. People find it increasingly hard to participate in the Android eco-system. Google is the only one that will make money off of Android.
That leaves a lot of pent-up unfulfilled needs of operators and OEMs who do need an alternative and can't participate in the Apple or Google eco-system.
BI: So this is about making app developers happy?
JS: Our product is better designed to meet the needs of users. We are building a great device, mid-to-high-end range. It is a unique experience. The competition is grids of icons. We think that's outdated.
For years we've talking about convergence. The division between phones, tablets, desktops, TVs are becoming blurred. Our vision is happening. There is room in the industry for options.
Here's what the new Ubuntu phone looks like:
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image">UbuntuUbuntu phone</div></div></div>

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<div class="image-container" style="width:800px"><div class="image">Getty Images / <keyword id="14846" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Warner-Bros-">Warner Bros.</keyword></div></div>Ben Affleck <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ben-affleck-is-the-new-batman-2013-8" target="_blank">will play the next Batman</a>. 
Let that sink in. 
Warner Bros. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/warner-bros-pictures/ben-affleck-revealed-as-batman/656526234358932" target="_blank">announced that Affleck will take over the role</a> of Gotham's white knight in the "Man of Steel" sequel.
Director Zack Snyder said the following about Affleck in the press release:
“Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”
Naturally, the Internet is bursting at the seams at the news — <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Batfleck&amp;src=tren" target="_blank">#Batfleck</a> was a trending topic last night.
Any comic book fan is most likely raising their eyebrows at the selection choice. After all, Affleck starred in 2003's lackluster "Daredevil" adaptation that earned $179 million for Fox but was a <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/daredevil/" target="_blank">ratings flop</a>.
Here's what the reactions have been since news broke:
A lot of people weren't happy.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck officially cast as <keyword id="25718" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="batman">Batman</keyword> in the Man of Steel sequel. For the first time in history, I kind of want Superman to win.
— The Batman (@TheBatman) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBatman/statuses/370728442985058305">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck as Batman? Were the people casting this movie confunded?
— The Dark Lord (@Lord_Voldemort7) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lord_Voldemort7/statuses/370731434454949889">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RyanGosling&amp;src=hash">#RyanGosling</a>'s reaction to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BenAffleck&amp;src=hash">#BenAffleck</a> getting the role of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Batman&amp;src=hash">#Batman</a> over him. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23lol&amp;src=hash">#lol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23comedy&amp;src=hash">#comedy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23haha&amp;src=hash">#haha</a> <a href="https://t.co/uYpgyyzsIV">https://t.co/uYpgyyzsIV</a>
— Tehrene Firman (@tehrene) <a href="https://twitter.com/tehrene/statuses/370738581662609408">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I hope Ben Affleck is as good at playing Batman as he was at playing Superman in Hollywoodland.
— Eric Vilas-Boas (@VilBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VilBo/statuses/370732754025349121">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wait guys I got a good one: Ben Affleck as Batman?? Looks like someone lost a DARE with the DEVIL !! Hahahaha *highfivestheworld*
— Veronica (@MyPolishFace) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyPolishFace/statuses/370718795435757569">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I feel like Ben Affleck as Batman is bring us closer together. Now it's time to grab our torches and pitchforks.
— Pointless Levi (@IAmPointlessMan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAmPointlessMan/statuses/370728337695444993">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck as Batman!? Seriously, didn't the casting ppl watch him as Daredevil? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23theregoesthatfranchise&amp;src=hash">#theregoesthatfranchise</a>
— Inci Askin (@theincinator) <a href="https://twitter.com/theincinator/statuses/370728544290496512">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Batman&amp;src=hash">#Batman</a>?! That's as bad as casting John Wayne to play Genghis Khan or Jar Jar Binks to play himself.
— John Coon (@johncoonsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/johncoonsports/statuses/370728614972518400">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck = Batman, Matt Damon = Robin, Jennifer Garner = Catwoman, Kevin Smith = Commissioner Gordon, Gotham City = Boston
— Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatEricAlper/statuses/370734396644421632">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

There are a lot of jokes about how Matt Damon should play his sidekick …
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck as Batman. Does that mean Matt Damon will play Robin? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ThingsToPonderAtNight&amp;src=hash">#ThingsToPonderAtNight</a> <a href="http://t.co/CjNnTqnRwq">pic.twitter.com/CjNnTqnRwq</a>
— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotBillWalton/statuses/370739032809951232">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Too soon to get Matt Damon to play Robin?! <a href="http://t.co/Gd65S55LF9">http://t.co/Gd65S55LF9</a>
— Lesley Goldberg (@Snoodit) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snoodit/statuses/370715748869488640">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I'm only accepting Ben Affleck as Batman if Matt Damon is cast as Robin.
— Jordan Crucchiola (@JorCru) <a href="https://twitter.com/JorCru/statuses/370717658292822017">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

... and others about Aquaman. (For any comic fan, Aquaman has become the butt of all jokes in the DC universe.)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So Ben Affleck is the new Batman? Translation: The world just may be a bit more open to an Aquaman movie after all.
— David Skidmore (@sycamoreskid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sycamoreskid/statuses/370729338452574208">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck as Batman is the Aquaman of casting.
— Anthony Bialy (@AnthonyBialy) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyBialy/statuses/370723175639695361">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

At least Batman will have a Boston accent now, right?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Affleck should only use the Boston accent when he's wearing the batsuit. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23batman&amp;src=hash">#batman</a> <a href="http://t.co/as5tx6JFF8">http://t.co/as5tx6JFF8</a>
— Dave (@Hi__Dave) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hi__Dave/statuses/370724661384216576">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Batman&amp;src=hash">#Batman</a> is no longer from Gotham. He's from Boston.
— Adam Harding (@AdamHardingNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamHardingNews/statuses/370744964214292480">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

Some are willing to give the actor a chance. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
*Batman voice* *Argo beard*
— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattdpearce/statuses/370741499677253633">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Affleck as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Batman&amp;src=hash">#Batman</a>, eh? Lets see where Snyder goes with this, hes good at what he does.(Could be worse, remember Clooney? Yeah me neither..)
— Supreme (@SupremeDDT) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupremeDDT/statuses/370746824929181696">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am sincerely excited and positive about the prospect of a Ben Affleck Batman, and I have no jokes on the subject.
— Andrew Williams (@DrewWilliams9) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewWilliams9/statuses/370719625866006528">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

Forbes' contributor and Batfan Mark Hughes makes the case for Ben Affleck.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ben Affleck is a tremendous talent. A great actor &amp; amazing director, we're lucky to have him as the new Batman. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Batman&amp;src=hash">#Batman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BenAffleck&amp;src=hash">#BenAffleck</a>
— Mark Hughes (@markhughesfilms) <a href="https://twitter.com/markhughesfilms/statuses/370754850780241920">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Affleck has won TWO Oscars. It's not some shocking position to say he's got talent &amp; that people need to quit acting like angry children.
— Mark Hughes (@markhughesfilms) <a href="https://twitter.com/markhughesfilms/statuses/370757849963442176">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

And then there were celebrity reactions:
Simpsons' writer Tim Long had a great response.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ATTENTION: The "Ben Affleck As Batman" story was just a test of your emergency <keyword id="6354616" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Twitter">Twitter</keyword> system. You all passed.
— Tim Long (@mrtimlong) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrtimlong/statuses/370732293117050880">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Really looking forward to seeing Affleck bring the depth and gravitas to Batman that he brought to Daredevil and Gigli.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) <a href="https://twitter.com/wilw/statuses/370728839376166912">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Val Kilmer and I are going to make our own Batman and the hell with you all.
— Richard Rushfield (@richardrushfield) <a href="https://twitter.com/richardrushfield/statuses/370725278923767810">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You read for a part, you feel good about it, you feel confident, then they cast Ben Affleck.
— Richard Dreyfuss (@RichardDreyfuss) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardDreyfuss/statuses/370719934025699328">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Holy shit... BEN AFFLECK IS THE NEW BATMAN!!! <a href="http://t.co/acivqxFl0U">http://t.co/acivqxFl0U</a> Do you know what this means? It means that I've seen Batman naked!!!
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatKevinSmith/statuses/370716582915215360">August 23, 2013</a></blockquote>

And naturally there's already a Ben Affleck Batman Twitter account.
<div class="image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><a href="https://twitter.com/AffleckBatman">@AffleckBatman / Twitter</a></div></div></div>

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