Recently Apple showed us a preview of its iPad inspired new OS X named Mountain Lion. Apple claims to have pushed in over 100 new features in the upcoming summer upgrade of the world’s most advanced operating system.
iPhoneHelp brings to you the prominent upgrades :
Messages
The new Messages application will replace the existing iChat application and allows the transfer of files, both audio and video to be transferred to and from iOS devices and Mountain Lion systems. It will also sync with iMessages app on your iDevices which means that you can start a conversation in Mountain Lion and carry it on your iDevice. Messages will continue to work as a multi – IM client with built in support for Gtalk, Jabber, AIM. Hence, the most loved and hugely popular iMessage launched with iOS 5 is coming to the OS X.
Notification Centre
Apple’s notification solution on iOS 5 touted as Notification Centre, is also integrated into Mountain Lion. A simple swipe on the MagicPad will bring down the Notification Centre on the right side of the screen displaying information about Mails, Messages and Reminders. When an app running new notification would appear as a banner in an unobtrusive manner and disappear discreetly. Clicking the notification will open the particular Application.
GateKeeper
OS X is the most the secured operating system even today and Apple is making its defenses even more lethal by introducing GateKeeper. This is a new security system which prevents downloading and running malicious programs. Users can choose to install the applications only form Apple Identified Developers. Once Apple finds any developer is leaking out malicious programs it will make all applications from the developer insert on Mac App Store. Advanced users will have the option of turning this feature off which enables them to run any programs.
Reminders & Notes
Reminders also makes its way to the OS X Mountain Lion. Users can make multiple reminder lists and also get related notifications with the Notification centre.
A proper Notepad was always missing in OS X. But now with the new Notes App, users can jot down their thoughts along with audio and video files as well attach their pictures. Notes can be shared over Messages as well.
Both Reminder and Notes are iCloud compatible and thus users can sync them on their iPhone/iPad/iPod and edit them on the go.
Share Sheets and Twitter Integration
One of the major features of iOS 5 was deep Twitter integration. Apple has integrated Twitter in Mountain Lion as well. Login to your account and you can tweet directly from supported apps like Safari, iPhoto or even PhotoBooth using the TweetSheet feature.
Share sheets feature adds new features to the Share button in specific OS X apps. It lets you share photos, music and videos via social networks, mail or Messages.
Game Center
iOS devices have lately been regarded as competent portable gaming consoles. And the GameCentre brings all iOS users together to share achievements, play multiplayer games and socialize. With majority of iOS developers porting their games to Mac App Store, Game Center was bound to make its way in the Mac. And it does so with aplomb. Users can add friends directly by email addresses and even add iDevice users and compete with people having the same games. It allows to have multiple user ids so as to make finding oneself easier.
iCloud
iCloud has been integrated even deeper in Mountain Lion. It gets activated once we login with our Apple id and automatically syncs mails, contacts, pictures, reminders and calendar entries. Mountain allows users to sync documents as well and also enables editing in Cloud from Mac or iDevice and changes are automatically updated on all.
No price details has been issued by Apple as of yet. Summer 2012 is the only official statement. The update will be a Mac App Store exclusive download like OS X Lion upgrade. Apple will not be launching any pen drives and so fast broadband connection is recommended.
Considering Lion’s we can expect Apple to price this upgrade at $25-$35. Lets us know which of these feature are your favourite and your comments if these features are enough for Apple to call this a major UPGRADE.