You have seen the Mac OS X Lion Preview in the past Apple event. Today, the first developer preview is released. The reason why we want to talk about it because this first developer preview is different. Lots of new things and controls have been added.
We have reviewed and make up a list. Check out the top 13 things you probably don’t know about the Mac OS X Lion.
1. Migrate from other PC. Yes. A PC.
It should not be difficult for Mac users to switch or upgrade their Macs. What if switching from Mac to PC? In Mac OS X Lion, Apple have already added such option for existing PC users in the Migration Tool. Switching is not that hard anymore.
2. The scrollbar scrolls in opposite direction! Thankfully it can be disabled
3. Swipe to other Spaces and more finger gestures
The finger gestures in Lion is very similar to the recent iOS 4.3 beta for iPad. You can swipe left or right using 4 fingers to go to other Spaces. If you are a frequent Spaces users like me, that would be much better than using the hot keys.
And yes, the Launchpad is already included. It works just like the iOS. The reason why it becomes very useful is that you can launch it simply use 5 finger to pinch on the trackpad. No need to find it from Finder or spotlight.
4. New Finder: Improved Quick Look and different sidebar
The Finder of Lion is changed. “PLACES” now becomes “FAVORITES”. The Quick Look is now changed. It’s not transparent anymore. There is a “Open With” button on the top right which you can quickly launch the related apps.
5. Auto saving different versions
Time Machine is great to restore files. But, it needs extra partition or harddisks. Apple has added the new Versions feature in Lion. As long as you have choose to “Save a versions” from File menu. You can revert to any versions by clicking the “File” > “Revert to Saved” menu.
6. AirDrop: I wish it can share files with iOS devices
As long as the MacBook are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can share the files with each other easily from AirDrop. No configurations is required. In the past, you will have to enable “File Sharing” from system preferences. I just hope there is an official app for iOS so that I can share files instantly.
7. QuickTime can now record part of the screen with video
No one wants to record the whole screen all the time. In Lion, we finally have the option to drag and select the parts we want to record. After recording, it can be shared to more platforms like Vimeo.
8. Signature Preview: Create a clear signature easily with the iSight
Some companies have already started to sign things digitally. For those who don’t have a scanner, Lion now allows to create signature in preferences. The best part is that it will clear out all the unnecessary backgrounds and keep the black stroke only.
9. Reopening windows after re-login
It now provides an option to reopen windows when logging back in. That’s what Apple called as “Resume”. During our test, it works perfectly. However, it may increase the loading time if you have previously opened too much applications.
10. iChat is now enhanced – with support of Yahoo!
11. Missing Front Row, Rosetta (old Mac apps) Support, no Java runtime
Do you use the Mac as a multimedia center with Front Row? The app is now missed from the first beta of Lion. Rosetta, those old mac apps built before the Intel Mac released, are not supported.
No Java runtime is pre-installed. That means you may not be able to run pure Java apps. Thankfully, Apple will prompt you a dialog and lets you to download the Java runtime instantly when needed.
12. Podcast Publishers from server edition
If you are a top host, there is a “new” tool in Lion. It’s the Podcast Publishers. It is not “new” actually. It was only available in server edition, but now it’s available in Lion also.
13. About This Mac is different
Current Mac OS X shows a tree lists of system information. In Lion, it is presented in a very easy-to-understand way. It uses different tabs and colorful icons.
That’s it. If we got any additional information, we will keep you all posted. Just keep clicking on winandmac.com.
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