Rumors have been flying for the past years about Apple’s
newest operating system, dubbed Mountain Lion. And now, thanks to the
announcement at WWDC we have solid information regarding an expected release
date, as well as a few other interesting features.
OS X Mountain Lion
The first new feature included on Mountain Lion is the
introduction of dictation. This tool has already been available on the iPhone
and the new iPad HD but it had yet to come to Mac branded computers. Dictation
allows you to speak rather than type. If you have a microphone for your Mac
(most MacBooks come with one built-in) and are running Mountain Lion, you’ll be
able to dictate into a variety of applications. Word processors, search
results, even maps can all be dictated into. This is an excellent feature and
is incredibly useful for individuals who have trouble typing or who may not be
as fast on the keyboard as everyone else. Dictation has been around for a
while, with purchaseable software like Dragon Dictation that could be installed
on your machine. However, this is the first time it has been integrated into an
operating system.
The first new
feature included on Mountain Lion is the introduction of dictation. This tool has
already been available on the iPhone and the new iPad HD but it had yet to come
to Mac branded computers.
Apple also announced the addition of something called iCloud
Tabs. This ingenious mode will allow you to view all open tabs between each of
your iOS and Mac devices. For example, if you’re viewing a web page on the iPad
HD and its in a tab within your Safari browser, than you can view it on your
Mac via the iCloud Tab’s section. This allow you to view multiple pages between
multiple devices without having to email links back and forth. In order for
iCloud Tabs to work, you’ll need to have all of your devices logged into the
same iCloud account. Safari is also receiving aseach and address bar upgrade.
Both bars will be combined into one simplistic bar which will help to
streamline the browser. If you’re looking to search for something you can
simply type it into the uni-bar and hit search, however, typing a web address
in (in http:// format) will take you to the requested web page.
Apple also
announced the addition of something called iCloud Tabs.
Officials also released information on the MacBook’s new
Power Nap feature. Power Nap will activate whenever the device is closed and
charging. During this cycle, your Mac will carry out nominal task like; checking
for new email, updating applications, and automatically running Time Machine.
This will cut down on the time required to keep your software and hardware
updated. However, this feature will only be available on the new ultra-thin
MacBook Pro’s, and second-generation (and later) MacBook Air’s.
According to Apple, Mountain Lion will be available for
purchase sometime in July. Users will be able to grab it via the Apple App
Store for $19.99, a spectacular price for a shiny new OS jammed with features.
Apple is also running a promotion and will offer a free OS upgrade to Mountain
Lion for anyone who purchase a Mac between now and the release of OS X.
