Apple is officially making Messages for OS X a Mountain Lion only feature. On Friday, the company sent out emails to its customers that they would be discontinuing the Messages Beta program for Lion on December 14th, 2012. The Messages Beta program allowed users of OS X Lion to download and try out Messages on their Macs, syncing all iMessages on the user’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch to their Mac.
Dear [User],
The Messages Beta program for Lion will end on Friday, December 14, 2012. We hope you’ve enjoyed the opportunity to preview Messages.
If you’d like to continue using Messages, upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store. Messages is one of many great new apps and features built right into OS X Mountain Lion. Learn More.
Thank you for your participation in the Messages Beta program.
The email notes that current users of Mac OS X Lion that are looking to continue using iMessages on their Mac must upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion which is available for $19.99 on the Mac App Store [Direct Link]. It is possible that some users will be unable to upgrade to Mountain Lion because of hardware requirements that the software requires.
Apple launched iMessages earlier this year as a replacement for iChat, which also had the ability to run third party chat clients such as AIM and Google Chat. iMessages after December 14th will be strictly for Mountain Lion and future OS X updates, as well as the for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
{Via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-discontinue-messages-beta-os-lion-december-14th/feed/ 0On Friday, AllThingsD reported on new statistics about the widespread use of Apple’s newest OS X update, Mountain Lion. The report mentioned that roughly 48 hours after the public release of OS X Mountain Lion, about 3% of total web traffic is coming from the latest Mac software.
Analytics firm Chitika conducted the research to come to this conclusion, estimating that Mountain Lion’s web traffic percentage increased from 0.25% before the public launch. This was likely the developer previews of Mountain Lion running prior to the release.
Moreover, based on Apple’s June 2012 announcement that there are currently 66 million Mac users in the wild, we can infer that 2.11 million Mac users downloaded OS X Mountain Lion in the past 48 hours,” Chitika said. “Using this figure, if we assume that 90 percent of these users paid to upgrade, OS X Mountain Lion generated $38 million in revenue for Apple in the past 48 hours.
It is unclear exactly how this compares to last years installation figures, which brought in one million downloads of OS X Lion on the first day of release.
With Retina Macbook Pro sales still increasing steadily and the company’s Up to Date program running, many users are either buying the MacBooks with Mountain Lion preinstalled or getting the update for free. OS X Mountain Lion brings key features to the desktop platform and blurs the lines between its mobile counterpart, iOS. Features such as Notes, Reminders, Notification Center, iCloud, and Dictation make OS X very similar to iOS.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/os-x-mountain-lion-accounts-3-total-mac-traffic/feed/ 2In recent weeks, a plague has overtaken the Mac OS X operating system, called the Trojan Flashback. The Flashback malware allows hackers access to personal information of Mac users, by extracting the info via a security hole in Java as well as other recent social engineering methods. With Java being the main culprit here, Apple has made a quick and decisive move by releasing a removal tool via Software Update on all Macs running OS X Lion without Java installed.
About Flashback malware removal tool
This Flashback malware removal tool that will remove the most common variants of the Flashback malware.
If the Flashback malware is found, a dialog will be presented notifying the user that malware was removed.
In some cases, the Flashback malware removal tool may need to restart your computer in order to completely remove the Flashback malware.
This update is recommended for all OS X Lion users without Java installed.
This tool rids the OS X system of all viruses present in the system, related to the Trojan Flashback malware. Java does not come pre-installed on the Mac, and therefore allows Apple’s removal tool to figure out as to where the virus is originating. The Flashback virus has been a huge issue in the media, with a reported 600,000 Mac users being affected by this virus.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-releases-trojan-flashback-removal-tool-os-x-lion-without-java/feed/ 2On Thursday, Apple announced the newest version of the Mac operating system, OS X 10.8. The newest version is being called ‘OS X Mountain Lion’, up from the current OS X Lion running on Mac computers. Apple has made a preview version of OS X 10.8 available to registered developers and will release the final version, with over 100 new features later this summer.
The release will likely be in late August, as usual, and will begin to ship with MacBooks and iMacs during the initial education sales and beginning of the school year, when Mac sales typically increase. SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller commented on the release, saying:
The Mac is on a roll, growing faster than the PC for 23 straight quarters, and with Mountain Lion things get even better. The developer preview of Mountain Lion comes just seven months after the incredibly successful release of Lion and sets a rapid pace of development for the world’s most advanced personal computer operating system.
Apple launched OS X 10.7 Lion during their “Back to the Mac” event, bringing a number of iOS features back to the Mac in order to blur the lines between the two devices. With OS X Mountain Lion, Apple is pushing iOS integration to a whole new level, integrating a number of apps, including Messages (replacing iChat), Reminders, Notes as well as Game Center and Twitter integration.
Apple has also incorporated Notification Center from iOS 5, allowing the Mac to keep track of all notifications in one place. Prior to this integration, users would have to rely on third-party software like Growl for notifications. The Cupertino-based company has even brought over AirPlay mirroring, allowing users to mirror their Mac screen on their HDTV through the Apple TV.
The developer preview of Mountain Lion features the all new Messages app which replaces iChat® and allows you to send unlimited messages, high-quality photos and videos directly from your Mac to another Mac or iOS device. Messages will continue to support AIM, Jabber, Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk. Starting today Lion users can download a beta of Messages from www.apple.com, and the final version will be available with Mountain Lion. Reminders and Notes help you create and track your to-dos across all your devices. Game Center lets you personalize your Mac gaming experience, find new games and challenge friends to play live multiplayer games, whether they’re on a Mac, iPhone®, iPad or iPod touch®.
It is very likely that if Apple were to release a television set, the mirror system would be more integrated between iOS and Mac devices. Apple has even went as far as to rename Mac OS X to just OS X, like they did from iPhone OS to iOS.
By integrating iCloud deeper into the Mac platform Apple is blurring the difference between iOS and OS X. The company is challenging the very basic traditional ways of computing and embarking on a new territory of true Cloud computing.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/os-x-mountain-lion-preview-100-features-inspired-ipad/feed/ 4Many claims of an ARM based MacBook Air have been floating around the web since early last year, suggesting that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is looking to move away from Intel’s processors to something a little bit more unorthodox in desktop and laptop computers.
The ARM processor is the same one used in AAPL’s current iPhone 4S and iPad 2, which use far less power than the average processor and handles memory and app switching without many glitches or errors.
The ARM processor in next Macbook Air could possibly reduce power-requirements, but could experience a severe drop in computing power. CNet reported on a recent interview with Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer on Thursday by Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner who addressed the issue regarding an ARM based Macbook Air.
Tim Cook reiterated his view that rapid innovation on the iOS platform (and mobile OS platforms in general) will significantly broaden the use case for tablets, eventually pushing annual tablet volumes above those of traditional PCs. We have wondered whether Apple might offer an ARM-based version of MacBook Air at some point; we walked away from this meeting with the impression that Apple feels iPad satisfies–or will soon satisfy–the needs of those who might have been interested in such a product.
With Gardner’s claims gaining attention around the web and his meetings with Apple executives being taken very seriously, it is safe to say that the iPad will eventually evolve and adapt to handle many functions that the proposed ARM based Macbook Air could.
Rumors since early last year have suggested that the iPad will be gaining a significant upgrade in the coming months. The iPad 3 is expected to receive a higher resolution display, a new A6 chip, and better cameras and is slated for release later this year.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-inc-aapl-next-macbook-air-unlikely-to-feature-ipad-like-arm-processor/feed/ 4Apple has just released the first maintenance update for Mac OS X Lion. The 10.7.1 update includes general fixes that enhance the stability and compatibility of your Mac running OS X Lion.
The update is available via software update and is 17.4 MB in size. According to the release notes the update fixes issues related to system becoming unresponsive when playing video in safari, resolves issue that may cause system audio to stop working when using HDMI, improves reliability of WiFi connections and resolves issues with transfer of data.
The 10.7.1 update is recommended for all users running OS X Lion and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability and compatibility of your Mac, including fixes that:
- Address an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive when playing a video in Safari
- Resolve an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when using HDMI or optical audio out
- Improve the reliability of Wi-Fi connections
- Resolve an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and compatible applications to a new Mac running OS X Lion
For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4764.
Once you download and install the update you would need to restart the system for the changes to take place.
Were you experiencing any WiFi or audio related issues? Did the update resolve the issue? Let us know in the comments below.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-releases-mac-os-x-lion-update-version-10-7-1/feed/ 3Find My Mac, one of the features in Apple’s iCloud service went live for developers today as part of the beta testing. The service was added to the Developer Preview 4 that was released following Apple’s annual WWDC Conference. Find My Mac is essentially Find My iPhone on a larger platform and operates the same way.
Find My iPhone relies on GPS signals in order to locate a missing iPhone. The iPod, however, relies on the device to connect to a WiFi network. Through the WiFi connection, the user can then locate the missing device from the web or another iOS device. Find My Mac uses the same process in order to locate missing Macs and relies on the WiFi connection.
If a Mac is located using Find My Mac, users can send a message, remotely lock the screen, or even wipe out the entire hard drive on their Mac. Find My Mac is expected to be released to the public with the final release of iCloud this Fall and may be integrated into the Find My iPhone application and eventually iOS 5.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-releases-find-my-mac-developers-preview/feed/ 0Apple on Monday launched iCloud.com and the iWork beta for developers. The iCloud.com login screen is also identical to the one seen just before the iCloud announcement. This is one of the three major updates announced at Apple’s WWDC 2011 event, highlighting iOS 5, Mac OS X Lion, and iCloud.
Reports from users and developers alike say that some have had trouble logging in while others are having a seamless experience with the service. Apple launched the two betas in order to work out the kinks for final release.
Apple is strengthening it’s mobile devices with every software update, moving away from a desktop computer and making the iPad, iPhone, and the iPod touch as independent as possible.
iWork for iOS, iOS 5, and iCloud are the three features working together in order for the iDevices to gain their independence. Apple has not yet announced a formal release date for iCloud or iWork for iOS, but looking at the release of the betas, we can assume that they will be released in late August or early September time frame.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-launches-icloud-com-iwork-beta-developers/feed/ 5The wait is over! Apple today launched Mac OS X Lion worldwide and the download is available exclusively from Mac App Store. OS X Lion can be purchased for $29.99 and according to Apple it is “world’s most advanced desktop operating system.”
The latest release is 10.7 version of the Mac OS X which brings more than 250 new features to your Mac. Apple has been highlighting some of the new features of Lion which include multi-touch gestures, launchpad, versions, new Mail app and much more that make Macs more intuitive and powerful than ever before.
Tap, swipe, and scroll your way through your apps using fluid Multi-Touch gestures that make everything you do feel more natural and direct. Full-screen apps take advantage of every pixel of your display — perfect for reading email, surfing the web, or browsing photos. Launchpad gives you instant access to all the apps on your Mac in a stunning new layout where you can quickly find any app and open it with a single click.
Apple during ‘Back to the Mac’ event shared that they were inspired by the advancements made with the iPad and aimed to bring the intuitiveness of the iOS to OS X. The company chose to make the software upgrade available only on the Mac App Store while dropping support for physical drives. Even the volume sales customers will need to download Lion from Apple’s digital store for Mac apps.
The download is 3.74GB in size and could take a couple of hours if you’re on a slow connection. It is advisable for you to contact the local Apple retail store as they could be allowing customers to download the software upgrade while in the store and also assisting during the upgrade process.
Have you already installed Mac OS X Lion? Was the upgrade a smooth process? Share your experience in the comments below.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/mac-os-x-lion-apple-mac-app-store/feed/ 0Apple (AAPL) reported a growth in sales over last quarter with over 3.95 million Macintosh computers during the quarter, an increase of 14%, 3.34 iPhone units shipped, and 7.54 million iPods during the quarter, a 20% decline overall.
Apple also sold 9.25 million iPads during the quarter, boosting sales and increasing demand for their product. Apple is also expected to add new hardware to their Mac lineup tomorrow, alongside the release of Mac OS X Lion.
“We’re thrilled to deliver our best quarter ever, with revenue up 82 percent and profits up 125 percent,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Right now, we’re very focused and excited about bringing iOS 5 and iCloud to our users this fall.”
Apple’s expected revenue for the fourth quarter of 2011 is expected to be $25 billion and earnings per diluted share of $5.50. So far, Apple’s revenue is being led by the iPhone, followed by iPad sales. iPod sales have decreased sharply, with 50% of iPod sales being from the iPod touch alone.
Apple is still pushing ahead and staying ahead of the game. Let’s wait and see what they have in store for Mac OS X Lion and new hardware tomorrow. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/mac-os-x-lion-launching-tomorrow-apple-aapl-q3-earnings-call/feed/ 2Italian website, Macitynet.it revealed that promotional materials for ‘Mac OS X Lion’ have begun appearing in third-party retail stores. Retail chain Euronics has begun displaying images of banners advertising features of Mac OS X Lion. The new signs advertise OS X Lion as being “now on all new Macs” and prompts users to “take a tour” of the new operating system. However, even with the new banners up, the devices in retail stores have not yet been updated.
Mac OS X Lion has been rumored for release this Wednesday and may make an appearance on all new hardware introduced. Lion is being prepped for release through many promotional outlets, including Gift Cards that advertise the download of OS X Lion. Other sources have indicated that Apple’s retail stores are planning overnight shifts tonight, where staff will be responsible for changing promotional materials and updating other aspects of the store layouts.
Rumors released this week have also suggested that Apple Retail Stores have received hard drives in order to update all computers in store to Mac OS X Lion. Apple has not yet hinted as to when Mac OS X Lion would officially be released. Mac OS X Lion is pegged for release tomorrow and will likely be revealed alongside new hardware, including a Macbook Pro, New MacBook Air and Mac Mini.
Are you going to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion? Do you think it will be released tomorrow?
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/mac-os-x-lion-promo-materials-appear-in-third-party-stores/feed/ 1According to people with proven track records who would be in a position to know, the new product launches are set to occur later this week. Specifically, one person said the products would be released on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Eastern.
Rumors have also suggested that the new MacBook Air models will contain a minimum of 128 GB solid state drives and 4 GB of RAM, and will also include a return of the backlit keyboard. This will allow Apple to continue their push for more reliable and feature rich portable products.
Apple has also been rumoured introduce new Mac mini and an updated LED Cinema Display. Apple has yet to announce any updates on new products and has not yet updated their website to reflect any new information about Mac OS X Lion or any other hardware refreshes. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/mac-os-x-lion-macbook-air-released-wednesday/feed/ 1The web has been abuzz with rumours of new Macbook Air and Mac Pro models. With newly released images on Apple’s website, and some clearing up of part numbers, it is clear that the part number for the Macbook, is actually a part number for a Thunderbolt LED Display.
MacRumors spotted images of the display on Apple’s Online Store, and identified it in the URL as the “MC914″ part that had been previously thought to be a new MacBook.
The display looks identical to those on sale available online and in retail stores, however, the screen depicts promotional images of Mac OS X Lion. The MiniDisplay Port on the back of the LED display will be replaced with a Thunderbolt port and will support up to two displays on one Macbook, enabled with Thunderbolt.
A number of images have also been released, revealing details about Apple’s hardware plans. In the gallery images, a Mac Mini is hooked up to a new LED display, confirming that any new Mac Mini hardware will possibly retain the same form factor. The Mac Pro in the images also shows the same hardware design, although it was rumored to feature a redesign. Apple will continue to use images of the old Mac Pro in promotional galleries, until they update the Mac line and redesign the Mac Pro.
Apple has yet to formally release a statement on any of the promotional images, hardware redesigns, Thunderbolt technology in the LED display, or prices.
Would you buy an LED Display with Thunderbolt technology? Do you think it is worth the money to upgrade?
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-release-thunderbolt-led-display-hardware-refresh-mac-os-x-lion/feed/ 2Reports have been around since early last week that Apple may be prepping its Apple retail stores in order to release Mac OS X Lion later this week. A report from 9to5Mac mentions that Apple is preparing it’s employees for such an event in the stores and to be ready to assist customers with questions they may have. Rumours have pegged Mac OS X Lion for a July 13th release which is usually not Apple-like in terms of major software upgrades.
We’ve heard from a few overseas sources that Apple Retail stores are planning ‘overnights’ on July 13th. Overnights are generally where Apple refreshes store displays and trains up management on new products. Sometimes it is big stuff and sometimes it is insignificant (at least to us).
AppleInsider also reported that there are overnights scheduled for the release and that Apple Store employees are being told to have the RAM upgraded on all Macs in the store, possibly preparing for the imminent July release. Apple is releasing Mac OS X Lion in the Mac App Store, which will be available for $29. This will make it easier for users who do not have an Apple Store in their area and are looking to upgrade.
Apple, alongside the release of Mac OS X Lion may also refresh the Mac mini, MacBook Air and the Mac Pro which are due for refreshes. Apple Store employees may also be urged to extend hours and curb vacations in preparation for the release. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated on Mac OS X Lion.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-retail-store-mac-os-x-lion-launch/feed/ 3Apple on Friday released ‘Mac OS X Lion’ GM seed to developers and a new boot screen has been revealed which features “Scrolling in Lion” that explains new gestures for Apple’s Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse. After the initial setup the software no longer plays the Welcome video which used to play on Leopard and Snow Leopard upon installation.
Taking away small things such as a Welcome video may actually be a big deal to those who are fond of Apple’s personal connection to it’s customers. The Welcome video was almost like a symbol that displayed the wide variety of users out in the world. The Welcome video featured the word “Welcome” in numerous languages and played along with “Exodus Honey” by Honeycut.
It is unclear whether a new Welcome video will be added at the last minute as there are usually last minute decisions made by Apple on small components of Mac OS X upon final release, usually in Fonts, hue of text and buttons, and shape of buttons. The Welcome video just may be one of these decisions. In it’s place in the Golden Master seed is a Multi-Touch scrolling window that opens up SetUp Assistant upon installation. It offers users a chance to see a glimpse at the enhanced Multi-Touch features included in the new operating system.
The text and image in the window for Multi-Touch scrolling is dependent upon device being used, and has the ability to switch between the Magic Mouse or built-in trackpad. The small details in OS X is what makes it a solid and ultimately reliable OS. Mac OS X Lion is set for a public release later this month and will be available exclusively through the Mac App Store for $29.99.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/booting-mac-os-x-lion-gm-reveals-introduction-scrolling-welcome-video/feed/ 24Apple earlier today released Mac OS X Lion GM seed to developers as it prepares for the official launch of the next major software upgrade. The Golden Master seed is the same version which will be made publicly available when the update hits Apple’s Mac App Store for $29.99.
Unlike previous software upgrades Apple will make OS X Lion exclusively available on Mac App Store. The download is expected to be around 4GB so if you’re are on a slower connection you might just have to wait longer before you can actually install the update.
Once Lion is purchased it will appear on your Dock, when you click the icon it will begin the installation process seamlessly. The upgrade will bring over 250 new user features which include but not limited to multi-touch gestures, resume, auto save, versions, air drop and much more.
Developers can download OS X Lion GM build by logging into the developer portal. A developer account is required to install and run this version.
During ‘Back to the Mac‘ event Apple explained that Lion has been inspired by the advancements made on the iPad. Full-screen apps and Launchpad are two such features which almost mimic the way Apple’s tablet works.
The release was expected in July and 9to5 Mac speculates based on rumors and reports OS X Lion could launch on July 14th and further suggests that the updated MacBook Air could also be unveiled on the same day.
Are you excited about Lion? Worried about compatibility with your apps? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/mac-os-x-lion-apple-releases-gm-seed-download/feed/ 2Earlier in the week, it was rumored that Apple was prepping to release a new Mac OS X build to the public. Apple on Thursday followed through and released Mac OS X 10.6.8 which helped patch a number of issues and minor improvements in the OS.
This is expected to be the last build released for Snow Leopard before the public release of Mac OS X Lion; Apple’s next major update for the Mac. The last update was released in late March and since then has stayed relatively the same. The release notes mention that the new build enhances Mac App Store so that your Mac is ready for OS X Lion.
The 10.6.8 update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that:
– Enhance the Mac App Store to get your Mac ready to upgrade to Mac OS X Lion
– Resolve an issue that may cause Preview to unexpectedly quit
– Improve support for IPv6
– Improve VPN reliability
– Identify and remove known variants of Mac DefenderFor detailed information on this update, please visit this website:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4561.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222.
Mac App Store will be the only way to upgrade to Lion as Apple has decided to discontinue software DVD’s. This would enable people to get the update easily, however they would need to be prepared for 4GB of download.
The public release, issued for Snow Leopard, was the same build, Build 10K540, released to developers earlier this month. Apple has yet to announce a specific date for the release of Max OS X Lion, which is pegged for a release in July.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-enhances-mac-app-store-os-x-lion-10-6-8-update/feed/ 0During this years WWDC keynote event Apple previewed OS X Lion, iOS 5 and shared its plan for the upcoming cloud based service called iCloud. With no announcement about iPhone 5 the event was completely dedicated to software. The company has now posted videos of WWDC 2011 sessions on iTunes and updated Apple’s developer page to include all that took place during Apple’s full-week event.
The sessions include videos and slideshows for 109 different sessions, covering App Frameworks (32 sessions), Core OS (13 sessions), Developer Tools (20 sessions), Graphics, Media and Games (24 sessions), and Internet and Web (19 sessions.) The videos on the developer page were supposed to be posted earlier but Apple failed to update them, however, now they are available in iTunes.
Registered developers have access to SD or HD video of the event and can get them by visiting the Development Videos page and clicking on “Log in to iTunes” on the bottom left. WWDC is Apple’s annual conference for registered developer’s to come together and explore the latest and greatest offerings from Apple.
iOS and OS X developers can now relive the conference with over 109 videos, covering every major WWDC topic in detail, and perhaps get ready for WWDC 2012.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-releases-wwdc-2011-session-videos-developers/feed/ 0Apple is widely believed to introduce iPhone 4S / 5 this fall which could coincide with the official launch of iOS 5. In a recent report published by DigiTimes, Taiwan-based PCB suppliers have cut their quotes by 10% for the quarter as Apple has decreased orders for the current gen iPhone.
Taiwan-based PCB companies, which are shipping products for iPads and iPhones, have seen disappointing orders for these devices in the second quarter, the sources said. Orders thus far for June show no signs of a rebound, the sources indicated.
The publication further notes that Apple Inc. could be looking at September launch event for the fifth gen iPhone which would lead to a rise in shipments for the Taiwan-based PCB makers. For the last four years Apple unveiled next gen iPhone during its annual worldwide developers conference however, this year the entire focus was on iOS 5, OS X Lion and iCloud.
According to the rumor mill iPhone 5 will sport Apple’s dual core A5 chip with more RAM and 8MP camera. The phone could also support HSPA+ network which will allow users to download data faster. Some tech analysts also believe that next gen iPhone will be a world phone which means that it could run on GSM as well as CDMA network.
Do you think Apple will introduce iPhone 5 in September? Let us know what you think.
{via MacRumors}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-lowers-iphone-4-orders-iphone-5-4s-launch/feed/ 0Apple has taken the next leap in digital space with Mac OS X Lion being offered only via Mac App Store. The company has been incredibly successful with its store for iOS apps and now it seems that they are all geared up to take the store for Mac Apps to a new level.
Apple recently offered some clarity on the upgrade process for education and corporate customers who mostly purchase volume licenses. The thought of downloading Lion on each system and setting up different Apple ID’s raised some concerns for the IT department. However, Apple seems to have all worked out with a very easy way for its customers.
By making Lion available only from Mac App Store Apple aims to encourage more and more people to use its store for buying their favorite software. Of course users with limited bandwidth and slow broadband connections might not like waiting for the 4GB download but that’s the only way they can upgrade their Macs.
Business customers will be able to purchase Lion by contacting Apple via phone or through the Business Store for $29.99 per license with a minimum requirement of 20 licenses. Education customers can either contact Apple directly or their Apple Education Account Representatives or the Education Store. The education license is priced at $39 and includes iLife and iWork too but the minimum license requirement would be 25 in number.
Once volume license customers have purchased Lion they will get a redeem code which can be redeemed in the Mac App Store. Once the code is redeemed the Lion installer will be downloaded in the Applications folder and also appear on the Dock. Users are advised not to install Lion but locate the Install Mac OS X Lion application in the folder and copy it on all the systems which need to be upgraded. This completely eliminates the need to boot from an external disk and administrators would also be able to use System Image Utility in OS X Lion Server to create a NetInstall or NetRestore Image.
Software updates will continue to be provided via Software Update for OS X Lion so that customers don’t have to create separate Apple ID’s for each system.
{via TUAW}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-details-os-x-lion-upgrade-process-volume-license-customers/feed/ 2Apple just announced at their annual WWDC conference that the Mac App Store, previously downloadable will be built in to Mac OS X Lion. Apple also announced that the Mac App Store will now be a feature part of Lion and will allow In-app purchases to be downloaded directly to the app.
Apple also featured something called LaunchPad, which is initiated using a gesture to show an iOS-like display of icons you can page through as well as push notifications which will allow apps to be stored in folders.
This will make the Mac App Store very similar to an iOS interface. Another feature, Resume, instantly resume where you were in an application after you quit it and even works system wide, so that when you reboot all of your windows and apps return how they were. This makes the security of the Mac App Store much more stable and allows users to download applications to their Mac with ease, something that was a painstaking process in Snow Leopard.
Apple has also decided to taking a different move for Mac OS X this year and now allows users to download the entire software from the Mac App Store, instead of an install disc. This makes it much easier for users to purchase and transfer files, and hinders pirating of software install discs.
{image via Engadget}
]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-announces-revamped-mac-app-store-wwdc-keynote/feed/ 0Apple is holding a special ‘Back to the Mac’ keynote event today which will kick off at 10:00 AM PDT at Apple’s Town Hall building. We are expecting a sneak peek of Mac OS X 10.7 (rumored to be called Lion), iLife 11 and new MacBook Air (thinner & faster) to be introduced.
Mac OS X 10.7 is expected to have a much cleaner look and feature better integration with iOS devices. We will be bringing you the All-in-One live feed of the keynote.
Check you time zone below:
07:00AM – Hawaii
10:00AM – Pacific
11:00AM – Mountain
12:00PM – Central
01:00PM – Eastern
06:00PM – London
07:00PM – Paris
09:00PM – Moscow
02:00AM – Tokyo (October 21st)
You don’t need to refresh this page! Live updates will appear below:
]]> https://touchreviews.net/live-coverage-back-to-the-mac-keynote-event/feed/ 2The first big news is iOS scroll bars and scrolling behavior are coming to OS X. That means you’ll have to say goodbye to the current Aqua scroll bars and get ready for a more minimal look. Also, the “rubber band” elastic scrolling iOS is famous for is making its first appearance on the desktop, and we’re told it “works really well and feels natural”. Basically, it works like the current inertial scrolling, but when you hit the top or bottom of a scroll view it “rubber bands” down like iOS devices do.
If we consider Apple’s minimalist approach in designing its software then it is certainly possible that we’ll be seeing much cleaner design for Mac OS X version 10.7 and better integration with iOS devices.
]]> https://touchreviews.net/mac-os-107-ios-scrollbars-mac/feed/ 0UPDATE: We’ll be live here.
Apple on Wednesday confirmed that they will be providing live video stream of ‘Back to the Mac’ event. They previously provided live streaming of the special music event where Apple CEO announced the new lineup of iPods. Live video streaming of todays keynote will be accessible by anyone using a Mac running Safari on Mac OSX version 10.6 Snow Leopard, an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 3.0 or higher, or an iPad. The keynote event is scheduled to go live at 10:00 a.m. PDT on October 20, 2010.
Apple ® online broadcast of their event on October 20 using the HTTP Streaming Live from Apple at the forefront. The vision requires a Mac ® or Safari ® Mac OS ® X version 10.6 Snow Leopard ® or iPhone ® or iPod ® touch with IOS 3.0 or later, or iPad ™. The live broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. PDT on October 20, 2010 at www.apple.com.
This transmission is the property of Apple and protected by U.S. copyright law and international treaties. Any reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Apple. Please contact the Public Relations or ‘Investor Relations at Apple for any information.
Apple designed the Mac, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife and iWork software professional. Apple is leading the digital music revolution with its iPod and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced the magical iPad that is defining the future of mobile devices and media in mobile computing.
The event has been widely discussed in the last few days and it is believed that Apple will announce the next version of Mac OS X 10.7 (called Lion?), introduce a faster and thinner MacBook Air and the ‘one more thing’ could be an announcement related to iPhone 4 availability on Verizon in early January.
We will be live blogging and bringing you the latest news, you can participate and share your comments during the announcements by visiting the liveblog post here.
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