Since the focus of mainstream attention has remained almost squarely upon the progress of Apple’s iOS 7 betas, it’s rather easy to forget about OS X Mavericks 10.9, which is also currently being readied for prime time. While the name may have raised one or two eyebrows after a series of big cat releases, the changes made to the Mac operating system are very much business as usual, and the sixth developer preview doesn’t appear to offer anything radically different from the previous offering.
OS X Mavericks Developer Preview 5 brought quite a few notable additions with the release of a desktop version of iBooks, along with an all-new, beta version of the popular iPhoto app. Since the latest Dev Preview has just arrived, it has yet to be revealed exactly what Apple has put into the new release, but as we get a change to test it out properly, we’ll be sure to report back if we stumble across anything significant.
The process of releasing incremental updates to OS X on an annual basis for a nominal fee has proved a hit with almost all Mac users, and although some have baulked at the so-called iOS-ification – particularly with Mountain Lion – the amalgamation of the company’s two strong ecosystems was always going to be something of a formality.
Last year, we saw many tried-and-tested mobile implementations make their way to OS X through Mountain Lion, and as well as Reminders, Game Center and the Notification Center, the decision to bring iMessage to the desktop has proved a resounding hit with confirmed Apple consumers. This time around, Apple will be adding some more neat features to the fold, including the tabbed Finder, dual monitor support, as well as a new Maps app.
The last time we saw Apple introduce Maps was with iOS 6, and the Cupertino company’s decision to oust Google’s reliable offering for what still remains an unrefined product prompted outrage, which came to a head when CEO Tim Cook was forced into an apology. This time around, however, the company is better prepared, and with iOS 7 providing adequate distraction from the goings-on of Mavericks, hopefully Apple is quietly calibrating a Maps app worth using for OS X 10.9.
Those subbed to Apple’s Developers Program can pick up the latest preview via the software update tool located in the Mac App Store. Oh, and if you do happen to update and stumble across anything new or noteworthy, be sure to drop us a line in the comments!
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