Mac OS X 10.7 Lion announced, coming summer 2011
10/21/2010 03:20:00 AM
kenmouse
, Posted in
Apple
,
Featured Stories
,
Mac OS X
,
Mac OS X Lion
,
Technology
,
0 Comments
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is here. As we predicted, Apple's operating system is going in the same direction as the iPad. Here is a visual guide to the main features unveiled today.
This article will give you live analysis of the Mac OS X Lion features unveiled today.
Mac OS X Lion is another step in the road to a new—or better said, renewed or recovered—computer interface paradigm: Modal computing. And along the way, they are taking some of the most successful parts of iOS, like the App Store—with automatic installation of applications—and the springboard—rechristened launchpad in Lion. Apple is also introducing new user interface elements, like Mission Control.
Full screen mode
All apps would be able to have a Full Screen mode. That doesn't mean windows are disappearing (yet), but this is clearly a big step towards enabling full modal computing in the future—something that is also indicated by the user interface in iLife'11. Not only iLife'11 has stages that take completely over the screen to perform a function, but they have rolled in elements like inline palettes to change text styles.
These changes are designed to simplify the user experience, and get closer to the same users experience that 95% of the users like in their iPhones or iPads. I've no doubt that windows will eventually be completely replaced, even for applications like Photoshop. In fact, if you look at high end professional apps—like Final Cut Pro—you will see the same behavior: Software taking over the whole screen to perform an specific task.
Modal computing could bring some problems, however. It's nothing new. You need to give the user an effective way to switch effectively between tasks fast and without confusion. From the demo today, Apple may have found an elegant solution to both managing modal apps and multiple windows apps.
The good: Simplify the computing experience, center it around the task, which is what the user is interested on. Pave the way to full touch computing (which, have no doubt, will come in the next generation—you just have to look at those iPhoto screens).
The bad: None that I can see. It seems that Apple is taking steps to avoid the potential problems that full screen computing may bring.
Launchpad
Launchpad works exactly like in the iPad. It shows all the applications installed in your computer, which are managed by the App Store, with multiple pages to navigate using gestures.
Mission control
Mission Control is actually a new Exposé, integrating the Dock, Dashboard and views from all open apps, both windowed and full screen.
Mac App Store
The Mac App Store works exactly like the iOS App Store. Same main navigation bar and same managing, which is to say: No managing at all. When you buy an app through the store, your Mac will automatically install that app in the Launchpad.
This may seem stupid for power users, but if you have ever deal with normal computer users, installing apps is a nightmare even with the Mac drag and drop system.
0 Response to "Mac OS X 10.7 Lion announced, coming summer 2011"
Post a Comment
Leave Your Thoughts & We Will Discuss Together