As of July 24th, 1 million Mac users can download a beta version of Apple’s upcoming OS X Yosemite for free.
Apple announced on its OS X Apple Seed beta-test program website that the public beta went live on Thursday. Users can signup with their Apple IDs for an opportunity to try the beta version of OS X Yosemite. After signing up, users will then receive a beta-test code which will allow them to download the operating system from the Mac App Store.
Before signing up, however, here is a head ups on what to expect from the Apple Seed website:
“Be sure that your Mac is running OS X Mavericks. If you don’t have OS X Mavericks, you can download it free from the Mac App Store. We recommend installing OS X Yosemite Beta on a secondary Mac, since it may contain errors or inaccuracies.
Please be sure to back up your Mac using Time Machine before you install the beta. This is beta software that is still in development, which means some applications and services may not work as expected. Some features require iOS 8, which is not being offered as part of the OS X Beta Program.”
Apple’s OS X Yosemite will feature a variety of new upgrades, such as a new version of Safari, an updated notification center, a better Spotlight search, and much more. Apple’s website has a full list of the changes that will accompany the new system.
During Apple’s annual WWDC developer conference, OS X Yosemite was unveiled, and it was announced that the operating system would bridge the gap between iOS and OS X. This means that phone calls, text messages, and other iPhone features will be available on a Mac running the upcoming operating system.
By bridging the gap, Apple plans on having all its devices, from Macs to iPhones to iPads, run more harmoniously together. Unfortunately for beta-testers of OS X Yosemite, the link between iOS and OS X will not be present. Instead, users will have to wait until the finished operating system is officially released in the fall.
For more information, check out the Apple Seed site here, or look at more information about OS X Yosemite here.
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