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Apple unveils OS X Mountain Lion, releases Messages public beta

Mountain Lion

Apple today unveiled Mountain Lion, the coming update to OS X v10.7 (Lion). The marketing-speak includes terms such as “further ahead” and “The Features you know. Like you’ve never seen.” So, users can mainly expect refinements to the current version of Lion, much as Snow Leopard was an enhanced (and quite successful) update to Mac OS X v10.6 (Leopard).

Is Apple losing interest in AppleScript?

AppleScript

Unfortunately, AppleScript is not supported by the iOS, which appears to be the future of Apple operating systems, and there is indication that Apple is letting AppleScript support slip in OS 10.7 Lion. Tom Bender, developer of the AppleScript-oriented styled text editor Tex Edit Plus has been using Lion for several months now, but is still not sure what to think about Apple’s ongoing commitment to AppleScript.

Mac OS X v10.7.3 update available for download

Mac OS X v10.7.3 update

The update brings several bug fixes for improved performance and compatibility across all Mac computers, and fixes a critical bug within OS X Lion which causes WiFi connection issues when Macs try to wake-up from sleep. Apple has also released software updates for the Lion Server, Safari 5.1.3, new version of Sever Admin Tools, some bug fixes for the Apple Remote Desktop, and security updates for users still running the Snow Leopard.

OS and browser market shares for January 2012

OS Market Share December 2011

NetMarketShare’s desktop Operating System Market Share metrics for January 2012 show the Mac OS gaining a minuscule three tenths of a point on the month, with Windows falling back slightly. In the Mobile/Tablet category, the iOS was still well out in first place, and recovering some of the ground it gave up in December.

Apple releases two new AirPort Utility versions

AirPort Utility comparison

Apple has released two new versions of its AirPort Utility software: version 5.6 and version 6.0. The former is merely a minor update that aims to resolve an issue with network passwords stored in the Keychain, while the latter is a complete redesign of the software to match its iOS counterpart. The reason behind the release of both versions is that AirPort Utility 5.6 is able to support older 802.11g-only base stations, while the more advanced 6.0 version is not.

Apple seeds OS X Lion 10.7.3 build to developers

Apple recently pushed another beta update for Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3 (build number 11D50) to all registered developers. The latest beta will make it the 7th build Apple has released, starting with the first 10.7.3 build on November 15th of last year. Just like the previous build, which was released last week, this update contains “no known software issues,” but developers are asked to focus on several aspects of the Lion operating system which includes iCloud Document Storage, Address Book, iCal, Mail, Spotlight, and the Safari browser.

Apple releases a new OS X 10.7.3 beta to developers

MacOSX.10.7.3

Apple has seeded a new version of OS X Lion v10.7.3 to all the registered developers under their Dev program. This new build carries the number 11D46, and showed up just a few weeks after the third beta was released in December. Apple’s main focus on this build remains unchanged; developers are asked to pay close attention to iCloud Document Storage, Address Book, iCal, Mail, Spotlight and Safari. According to Apple, this build comes without any known issues, which may hint at an upcoming release.

Logic Pro and MainStage available in the Mac App Store

42LogicPro-images1

Logic Pro is available for $199, while MainStage costs $29.99. Both apps have also been updated with new features and improvements. MainStage has received a revamped interface, it can now take advantage of Macs with 4+ processor cores, and it supports more MIDI devices. Logic Pro comes preloaded with an extensive collection of instruments, effects, and Apple Loops, making it simpler to create stunning sounds and songs.

Mac App Store reaches 100 million downloads

mac_app_store-images1

Apple issued a statement today that more than 100 million app downloads were generated from the Mac App Store since its debut on January 6th, 2011. Mac owners can easily access the Mac App Store via OS X Snow Leopard and OS X Lion, and all that’s required is an iTunes account in order to download or purchase software. Apple’s promise was mainly to make it an easier way to browse, install and maintain apps for OS X, and that seems to have been a success.

Apple updates Aperture 3 with iCloud and iOS 5 support

Apple hasn’t made any major updates to Aperture 3 since it was first released back in February of 2010, but they’ve managed to bring a minor software update to squash a couple of bugs, including incorrect color profiles attached to externally edited images, crashes when using brushes, and a bug that limited Photo Stream from working beyond 1,000 images for some Mac users.