Developers Get Gold Master Version Of OS X Mountain Lion

Apple has released the final version of the latest iteration of Mac OS X, Mountain Lion, to participants in its development programme.

Developers now have access to the ‘Gold Master’ version, which is almost identical to that which will eventually be released to the pu8blic. There is still no confirmed price or date for the upgrade, which will cost Mac users less than $20 (£12.87) when it hits the Mac App Store, but it will need only minor changes before it is released.

King of the Mountain Lion

The operating system gives Macintoshes many of the features seen on iOS, which is used by iPhones and iPads, and is expected to be released to consumers this month. A new version of iOS is also expected this year.

Mac users will now be able to benefit from iCloud support, which allows for the sharing of files and documents between Mac and iOS devices, as well as notes, reminders and Game Center. It will also be possible to communicate with iPhone and iPad users who have installed iMessage with the new Messages app.

The popular notification centre feature will also be added and will consolidate emails, instant messages, friend requests and calendar alerts into a central hub. It will also be easier to share photos, videos and links with mail clients and social networks and Gatekeeper strengthens system protection.

These mobile-centric features will help the Mac platform compete with Windows 8, which Microsoft promises will work equally well on both desktops and tablets, including its own recently-announced Surface tablet. The tech giant confirmed yesterday that Windows 8 will make its debut in October.

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