Yosemite
Latest
iOS 8.1 is coming on Monday, will bring Apple Pay and added Continuity support
Craig Federighi, Apple's senior VP of software engineering, has just announced that iOS 8.1 will bring Apple Pay compatibility to the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. That's good news, because Apple Pay launches this Monday with support from Starbucks, Macy's, Target and others. It'll also bring back the Camera Roll, which should be good news for iPhone users who missed that feature when it was taken away. Additionally, those who update to the new firmware will get access to the public beta of iCloud Photo Library, which gives you the ability to access the full resolution of all your photos and videos without any downscaling. The big news though, is that iOS 8.1 will finally bring Continuity compatibility when it comes to SMS and Instant Hotspot (as long as you have OS X Yosemite installed on your Mac, of course). That means you'll be able to make and receive texts from your Mac and get online via your phone's cellular connection. Those with iOS 8 and Yosemite could already enjoy other Continuity features such as handing off a half-composed email from your Mac to your iPad, sharing Keynote slides and making and receiving calls. And if all of that sounds intriguing to you, well good news: iOS 8.1 will be available this coming Monday. Update: We previously mentioned that iOS 8.1 will add Continuity compatibility, but iOS 8 already had some Continuity features. iOS 8.1 will add SMS and Instant Hotspot features specifically.
Here's what to expect from Apple's October 16 event
Now that the dust from the launch of Apple's new iPhones has started to settle, it's time to wade into the fray one more time. It's been just about a year since the folks from Cupertino trotted out the iPad Air, and now it's going to show off its next-generation model -- along with a handful of other updated goodies -- at a big media event at its corporate headquarters on October 16. Before we descend into the depths of Apple's auditorium and liveblog our fingers off, though, let's just take a moment to suss out what Tim Cook and pals have in store for us.
The iTunes Store is about to get a flatter look
Apple has flattened the design of just about every interface it makes, but the iTunes Store has remained largely impervious to those changes -- reflections, drop shadows and extruded buttons abound. All that is likely to change soon, however. According to 9to5Mac, those trying out the iTunes 12 beta are now seeing a super-flat iTunes Store layout that mirrors what you've seen in iOS, OS X Yosemite and iTunes 12 itself. The carousel highlighting new content is no longer full of pseudo-3D effects, and most of the buttons have been reduced to simple wireframes. A few elements are reportedly missing as of this writing, but it won't be surprising if the new-look storefront gets some stage time on October 16th.
Mailbox for Mac begins rolling out in beta to a handful of lucky testers
The transition from mobile to desktop seems like a natural evolution for Mailbox, which began as a clever time-saving email app for iOS. Four months ago, the Dropbox-owned venture excited fans by announcing that it would soon have an option on Mac as a limited beta. Today's the day: Mailbox is ready to roll out the app to the first batch of early adopters. The service will begin rolling out to those who've signed up for the beta online, as well as a handful of current Mailbox users. If you're not one of the lucky winners tomorrow, be patient -- the rollout will come in batches, and the company assures us that you'll still get your hands on it before the final version is ready. Each beta tester will be issued a betacoin (not to be confused with other forms of digital currency), and you'll even receive additional betacoins to share with friends as soon as you download the app.
Apple's changes to app signing could leave some apps blocked by Gatekeeper (Updated)
Heads up for developers: you'll want to take a close look at the changes that have been introduced in the latest Mavericks and Yosemite developers previews. According to prerelease notes for OS X 10.9.5 and Yosemite Developer Preview 5, changes are coming to signed apps. Some developers will have to re-sign their apps, and submit an update to the Mac App Store to keep from being tagged by Gatekeeper as having an invalid signature. Gatekeeper blocks apps with invalid signatures from running. Beginning with OS X version 10.9.5, there will be changes in how OS X recognizes signed apps. Version 1 signatures created with OS X versions prior to Mavericks will no longer be recognized by Gatekeeper and are considered obsolete. If your team is using an older version of OS X to build your code, re-sign your app using OS X version 10.9 or later using the codesign tool to create version 2 signatures. Apps signed with version 2 signatures will work on older versions of OS X. If your app is on the Mac App Store, submit your re-signed app as an update. This could cause issues for users as Mac apps they've come to rely on suddenly get flagged by Gatekeeper, though this will mostly affect third party apps downloaded from outside the Mac App Store. If you're a developer still working in OS X 10.8 or older, your apps will fail to launch in 10.9.5 or Yosemite until you update and re-sign the app. Otherwise, users will have to change their security settings or right click on your app and then select "Open" from the context menu to have your app work on their machine. The good news is that apps developed with Mavericks will still run on older versions of OS X. This change will only affect developers who are still working in older versions of OS X and their users who have updated. Update: 6:31PM ET Apple has sent the following message to developers explaining what they need to avoid being caught by the app signing changes. With the release of OS X Mavericks 10.9.5, the way that OS X recognizes signed apps will change. Signatures created with OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.5 or earlier (v1 signatures) will be obsoleted and Gatekeeper will no longer recognize them. Users may receive a Gatekeeper warning and will need to exempt your app to continue using it. To ensure your apps will run without warning on updated versions of OS X, they must be signed on OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later (v2 signatures). If you build code with an older version of OS X, use OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later to sign your app and create v2 signatures using the codesign tool. Structure your bundle according to the signature evaluation requirements for OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later. Considerations include: Signed code should only be placed in directories where the system expects to find signed code. Resources should not be located in directories where the system expects to find signed code. The --resource-rules flag and ResourceRules.plist are not supported. Make sure your current and upcoming releases work properly with Gatekeeper by testing on OS X Mavericks 10.9.5 and OS X Yosemite 10.10 Developer Preview 5 or later. Apps signed with v2 signatures will work on older versions of OS X.
Feedback Loop: Yosemite beta, Kindle Unlimited and more!
Ready for a fresh edition of Feedback Loop? This week featured discussions about Apple's OS X Yosemite beta, Kindle Unlimited, Nokia's naming conventions, MMO mice and iWatch speculation. Head past the break to talk about all this and more with your fellow Engadget readers.
Weekends with Engadget: Bose sues Beats, OS X Yosemite preview and more!
This week, we looked at the top 12 tablets available, watched Bose sue Beats, took the OS X Yosemite public beta for a test drive and reviewed the Oppo Find 7. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last seven days. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Apple reportedly releasing OS X Yosemite in October alongside 4K desktop and 12-inch Retina MacBook
Well, this is a timely rumor: Today is the day Apple opens up OS X Yosemite for public beta-testing, and now we're hearing the final version of the OS will come out in late October. The report comes from Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac, who has a strong track record when it comes to Apple rumors, and he claims that in addition to OS X, Apple will release a 12-inch Retina display MacBook, and either an iMac or a standalone monitor with a 4K screen. Obviously, Apple could do a 180 and release the same old computers with minor spec bumps, but if you ask us, everything Gurman is reporting seems plausible. First of all, Apple already promised it would release a final version of OS X sometime in the fall, and surely it plans to do that before the holiday shopping season starts up in November.
Engadget Daily: OS X Yosemite, the top 12 tablets available and more!
Today, we take OS X Yosemite public beta for a test-run, learn about robots in the American workforce, look at the top 12 tablets available and mull an interesting YouTube copyright infringement lawsuit. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Apple's public beta for OS X Yosemite begins tomorrow
The Apple we know is run by a bunch of perfectionists. The company only shows off final devices at its launch events, and developers are strictly forbidden from sharing screenshots of upcoming iOS releases. This is a company that doesn't usually bother with sneak peeks. Or do they? Apple announced a few months ago that it would carry out a public beta-testing program for OS X Yosemite, its next-gen Mac operating system, allowing regular people to give feedback before it eventually gets a wide release. Now, the testing period is finally about to begin: Apple says that beta users will be able to download an early version of the OS starting tomorrow at around 1PM Eastern. If you've already signed up to join the beta program, you don't need to do anything; you'll get a notification tomorrow when the OS is ready to download. If you haven't gotten around to it yet, though, we suggest you get on that ASAP: Only one million people are allowed to participate in this early-stage testing, which means slowpokes might not get a chance. Update: Our preview of OS X Yosemite is already up, even before the public beta period begins. Read it here!
OS X Yosemite preview: the Mac gets a major makeover
The last time Apple released a new version of OS X, we came away feeling a little... underwhelmed. Don't get us wrong: We'll never say no to a free software upgrade. But despite a handful of new apps and features, last year's Mavericks release still felt like the same old OS X. You can't say that about Yosemite, though. The company's next-gen operating system ushers in the Mac's biggest makeover in years, with a flat, streamlined look inspired by iOS 7. Yosemite works more like iOS too, particularly the part where you can route phone calls to your desktop. You'll also enjoy improved Spotlight search, with results that include news, local restaurant listings, Wikipedia pages, movie times and quick unit conversions. Safari works much the same way, and includes some enhanced privacy settings, too. Right now, Yosemite isn't quite finished -- it won't arrive until sometime this fall -- but you can sign up for the public beta, which will open tomorrow for the first million people who enlist. In the meantime, I've been using an early build for a week now. Here's a quick preview for those of you who can't wait till tomorrow.
Apple puts Aperture out to pasture, moving users to new Photos app
Apple's pro photo editing suite Aperture is coming to the end of its life. In 2005 Cupertino decided to take on the entrenched powers in that field, including Adobe, but clearly the company has decided there are better uses for its resources. Instead, with the next version of OS X, will be ushered towards a new app called Photos. Apple will even provide a tool for seamlessly moving your existing library to Photos. While it may pack some of the more advanced editing features of Aperture, the new app is actually aimed more at replacing iPhoto (which will also be getting the boot). Users that are unwilling to give up Aperture can rest assured that will provide compatibility updates for OS X Yosemite, but there will be no other changes to the software. For those that would rather move over to the Adobe family, there's always Lightroom, which is part of the Creative Cloud suite and has proven popular. Of course, that means paying a $10 monthly subscription. It's less than ideal, but at least Lightroom has a history of frequent updates. Update: This story originally stated that Apple was building a tool to aid those looking to transition to Lightroom. Instead the tool is for moving users to Photos. Apple is, however, working to provide documentation for those that wish to move to Lightroom.
Apple ceases development of Aperture
During this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple briefly mentioned a brand new Photos app that will introduce editing tools and iCloud sharing. Today there's a bit of follow-up news, as Apple has confirmed it will cease development of Aperture, its professional photo-editing application. Apple provided the following statement to The Loop: With the introduction of the new Photos app and iCloud Photo Library, enabling you to safely store all of your photos in iCloud and access them from anywhere, there will be no new development of Aperture. When Photos for OS X ships next year, users will be able to migrate their existing Aperture libraries to Photos for OS. The Loop is also reporting that the forthcoming Photos app will also replace iPhoto, in an effort to create a continuous experience across every Apple device. The company's other pro editing apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro will continue with development. R.I.P. Aperture, you served us well.
Will your machine be able to run iOS 8 or OS X Yosemite?
Now that we have a general idea of what exciting new features will be hitting iOS and OS X devices this fall with the release of iOS 8 and Yosemite, there is one important question left to ask: can my machine run those latest versions of Apple's operating systems? If you're worried about the possible obsolescence of your devices, you're in luck -- we have the answers for you. If your Apple computer was able to run OS X Mavericks, you will also be able to upgrade to OS X Yosemite. Both operating systems share the same system requirements: 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. Here is the full list of compatible models: iMac: mid-2007 or newer MacBook Pro: mid-2007 or newer MacBook Air: late 2008 or newer Mac mini: early 2009 or newer Mac Pro: early 2008 or newer MacBook: late 2008 aluminum, early 2009 or newer Xserve: early 2009 If you're an iOS user, you most likely don't need to worry. Every modern iOS device can run iOS 8. For the iPhone, these are the models that will still be supported when 8 launches. In addition, the iPod touch 5th generation will also be supported. This is only bad news if you're still using the iPhone 4. While this is sure to disappoint some users, try to keep in mind that the iPhone 4 came out on June 7, 2010. It's remarkable that it took four years for the iPhone 4 finally be phased out of iOS updates. Show me an Android phone with that life span. On the iPad front things are staying largely the same. If your iPad could run iOS 6 or 7, you'll still be able to run iOS 8. First-generation iPad owners are out of luck, but everyone else is in exactly the same spot they were previously. So don't worry, faithful Apple users; almost all of us will be getting a nice update this fall. Let's have a moment of silence for the faithful iPhone 4. It has served the community well, and it's time for it to enjoy a nice retirement.
Apple addresses virtual currency and other news for June 3, 2014
In our first post-WWDC news roundup, we have stories about iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite! Who would have guessed? Specifically, getting into (and out of) a beta and virtual currencies. Onward. 1. Apple has clarified its stance on virtual currencies in apps. The newly updated App Store Review Guidelines reveals that Apple is willing to approve apps that deal with virtual currency, within limits: "Purchasing and Currencies 11.17 Apps may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions." This is one of the first times the company has officially recognized virtual currencies. 2. How to sign up for Apple's OS X Yosemite beta program. Eager to try out the beta of Apple's forthcoming Mac OS? You needn't be a developer anymore. This year, the rest of us can apply to the program, and Mac Observer outlines how. 3. Downgrade back to iOS 7 from iOS 8 beta. Here's the problem: many eager iPhone users will install iOS 8 on their devices, not to get a jump start on development, but just to see what it's like. Those who use their main iPhone for this purpose may soon regret it. Fortunately, Ars has posted a tutorial on getting back to iOS 7.
Engadget Daily: Apple announces OS X Yosemite, iOS 8 and more!
Today, we watched Apple unveil OS X Yosemite, iOS8 and its own smart home platform, went hands-on with ASUS' new Zenbook NX500, learned about Samsung's Tizen-based smartphone and more! Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
OS X Yosemite will be available for free this fall
Apple just announced that its latest desktop operating system, OS X Yosemite, will be available as a free upgrade to Mac users later this fall. Developers, meanwhile, will have access to it starting today. In addition to this, Apple revealed that, through its public beta program, some non-developer folks can start playing with the new version of OS X in the summer. Yosemite brings a completely redesigned user interface and deep integration with iOS, to highlight a couple of things. We'll likely hear more about Apple's OS X Yosemite in the days to come; for now, stay tuned to our WWDC liveblog to get more Apple-related coverage.
Apple revamps Safari with new UI, power-saving features
Apple's not forgetting about Safari with all the changes to OS X Yosemite. The browser has been completely overhauled with power-saving tweaks, new tabs and a privacy mode, among other new features. By far the biggest change, though, is in the UI -- it's got a new flat look that matches the new OS. On top of eliminating the favorites bar (which now pops up when you type in the address field), you get a bird's-eye view of tabs, and can scroll from side to side to select them. There's also a new Spotlight search that gives additional suggestions, as well as those from search engines like Google. Apple also says its latest Safari is standards-compliant and no longer requires video plugins for premium services like Netflix's HTML5 player -- which could net you up to two more hours of battery life when playing video.
OS X Yosemite: Apple's latest desktop OS works even better with your iPhone
Apple's just unveiled the latest update to its desktop operating system for Macs and it's called Yosemite. While last year's Mavericks brought the inevitable reality of iOS/OS X integration even further with the introduction of familiar apps, like Maps and iBooks, this time around, Apple's Tim Cook promises both systems are now "engineered to work seamlessly together." Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering at Apple, explained that Apple's focus for OS X Yosemite was on clarity, continuity and clear font type throughout the operating system. Finder window menus are now translucent, matching up with the image backgrounds on your desktop to dynamically shift for personality and color temperature. This effect has been translated to the refreshed dock, which itself has also gotten a slight makeover with newer, flatter-looking icons and even a new trashcan; something Federighi referred to as "fundamentally still Mac." There's even a new "dark mode," giving users the option to eschew translucency for dark gray toolbars.
Yosemite National Park cracks down on drones that scare bears
Itching to get out there and make the most of your newly upgraded drone's ability to capture the majesty of Mother Nature? Well, your UAV isn't welcome at Yosemite National Park. In fact, it never was. Flying a drone was already illegal according to the Code of Federal Regulations governing the park, which says that "delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means" is prohibited for regular visitors. But a growing number of hobbyists have been ignoring this rule, forcing the Yosemite Park Service to reiterate the ban and explain why it's necessary. In a statement, it says that drones "can be extremely noisy, and can impact the natural soundscape." More generally, drones also "impact the wilderness experience," because there's nothing less nature-y than a hovering quadrocopter filming in full HD. It's not just the resident fauna that can be put in peril, either: Drones can apparently also interfere with emergency rescue operations.
