Ubuntu will release the next version 10.04 with codename Lucid Lynx. This new version will be based on Linux kernel 2.6.32. There are lots of improvements in this new version, especially for graphics card drivers. Lots of Ubuntu users have problems with the Intel graphics and Nvidia graphics cards. It would need special patches and tweaks to make them properly functional. This new version will bring lots of improvements for Nvidia graphics cards and it will use Nouveau as the default graphic driver for Nvidia.
This version of Ubuntu uses the latest GNOME desktop, which is GNOME version 2.30. There are a lot of bug fixes and new user experiences with this version of GNOME. But this version of GNOME has already removed Pidgin as the default Internet Messenger, and it will use Empathy Instant Messenger instead. But personally I prefer Pidgin over Empathy. Anyway you can still install it later. For the new features of the latest GNOME you can see it here.
Other than that, this release of Ubuntu will remove HAL from the boot process which will reduce or speed up boot time. Ubuntu Lucid Lynx also includes a new boot experience, new indicators, and new themes for better user experiences.
This version of Ubuntu will officially be released on 29th April 2010. But before that you can download the Beta 2 release now just for testing purposes here. So what are you waiting for?