Apple developers now have their paws on a final beta of Jaguar, the next major Mac OS X update. ZDNet Australia takes a look at the beta version of Apple's latest operating system.
With the imminent release of OS X 10.2, Apple has taken a few pages from the Microsoft book--new features, bundled software galore, and a lofty upgrade price tag.
All-new Sherlock and Mail
Due to ship on August 24, Jaguar, now officially christened Mac OS X 10.2, improves ease of use with features such as a search field integrated into folder toolbars. Sherlock, Apple's longtime built-in search tool, now searches only the Net (not your hard drive), but it returns broader search results, including image and sound files, without opening a Web browser. The beefed-up Mail program identifies junk mail, and QuickTime 6.0 supports hot, new audio and video formats, including the MPEG-4 compression standard.
In addition to all this remodeling, OS X 10.2 will ship with a slew of all-new built-in apps, including an instant messenger, iTunes 3.0, an address book that can automatically send contact information to your cell phone, a handwriting-recognition technology called Inkwell that works with any application, a new scheduling program called iCal (available for download in September but compatible only with Jaguar), and improved support for Windows networking.
Unfortunately, Apple hasn't improved its OS X upgrade price. Jaguar will cost a whopping AU$229, and amazingly, there's no lower upgrade price for existing OS X users. Only those who buy a new Mac on or after July 17 (or a full version of Mac OS X 10.1) can buy an upgrade CD for AU$39.95--as long as their new computer doesn't already include the new version.
iChat with AIM, too
Apple's new IM tool, dubbed iChat, may be Jaguar's most compelling development. For one, the app boasts interoperability with AOL Instant Messenger, unlike Windows Messenger or MSN Messenger. iChat users will also be able to chat and trade files with pals who are members of Apple's new US$100-per-year Mac.com portal, which replaces the free iTools services. Plus, iChat will integrate with Apple's upcoming contact manager, Address Book. Speaking of Address Book, that app will integrate with Mail and sync up with the iPod, Apple's handheld MP3 player.
Smoother networking
For business users, long-awaited networking features such as virtual private network (VPN) support and the ability to browse Windows networks may justify the AU$229 upgrade. Jaguar also includes a new networking tool called Rendezvous that automatically discovers computers, network printers, devices, and services on local Ethernet or AirPort IP networks.
Apple Mac OS X 10.2
Company: Apple Australia
Price: AU$229
Phone: 13 36 22
Release date: August 24 2002
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