Apple is all set to release the next version of OS X – OS X 10.8 “Mountain Lion” – as we’ve received news that the company has sent out (or “seeded”, the correct technical term for procedure) the code complete Golden Master version of Mountain Lion to specialists at AppleCare. Check out the details after the jump.
The news comes from 9to5Mac in the form of a short blog in which – along with discussing the general state of Mountain Lion’s public release – they claim that Apple has seeded Mountain Lion to AppleCare representatives ahead of its public release. This claim is verified further with a screenshot sent to 9to5Mac from within Apple which, from what we can tell, shows an email with a code for redeeming Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store. The build number (12A269) is the same Golden Master version that was seeded to the Mac Dev Center.
Apple is obviously doing this to ensure that their AppleCare representatives get enough time to familiarize themselves with Mountain Lion so that they can guide customers when the OS releases. Obviously they do don’t they?
OS X Mountain Lion brings a great number of iOS features to the desktop. AirPlay Mirroring, Facebook and Twitter integration, voice dictation using the same engine as Siri, Game Center, Gatekeeper for even more enhanced security, enhanced Mail application, new Messages app, iOS-like Notes, Calendar and Reminders app, Notification Center, Power Nap, tighter iCloud integration along with hundreds of changes under the hood. Most Macs released in late 2007 or later will be supported by Mountain Lion; you can see the detailed list of supported Macs here.
9to5Mac claims of hearing reports which suggest that Apple is planning to release Mountain Lion to the general public overnight on July 24th. This is in line with Apple’s previously released press statement in which they categorically state that Mountain Lion will be available from the Mac App Store in July.
If you are a registered developer, there is no need to wait for the public release. Just head out over to the Mac Dev Center and grab the GM release.
We certainly can’t wait to get our hands on Mountain Lion, since it’s the most polished version of OS X to date.
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