Apple's New Desktop OS, 'Mavericks,' Really Is Going to Be a Big Deal

 Computers  

This fall’s expected release of Apple desktop IOS 10.9—nicknamed Mavericks—is not just an upgrade, but something downright revolutionary according to John Libby. Mavericks includes advances in mapping, storage and organization.

W
e’re on to you, operating systems.
We’ve come to expect that each upgrade, whether Windows or Apple OS, is going to be bigger and better, but most “new” features are still simply fancier bells and whistles from the upgrade before it, no matter how cool the commercials are or what Rolling Stones' tune is played in the background.

But tech watchers know there are exceptions for upgrades that seriously raise the bar for everyone. Microsoft’s shift from the DOS command screen to the graphics-oriented Windows interface was one, as was Apple’s System 5, which added the now-standard ability to run several programs at once vs. one at a time.

Now, some are calling this fall’s expected release of Apple desktop OS 10.9—nicknamed Mavericks—not just a welcome upgrade and a thankful end to the cat names, but something downright revolutionary. Mavericks includes advances in mapping, storage and organization. It will be easier to find and categorize files, sync with other devices and get more out of your computing experience. Will it really be a game-changer? Perhaps. Here’s the low-down:

Mapping

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Traditionally, people wanting good directions have turned to Google or their GPS, and Apple’s geo-locating was nice but never good enough. Apple’s Maps for Mavericks features easy zooming and syncing with your iPhone. Voice recognition will make it easy to update route info vs. having to juggle devices while driving. The Flyover feature includes a fully-rendered birds-eye view of your destination, including caption info like what businesses you’ll pass and current traffic conditions. This feature puts all your travel info in one place, and it potentially could make in-car GPS systems as obsolete as paper maps and phone books.

Power and Speed

The Register reports that Mavericks includes:

• A faster version of Safari
• Improved system resources like timer coalescing, which enables your CPU to use less energy and not drain your battery as fast
• App Nap, which slows down programs you’re not actively using but still want open
• Compressed memory, which frees up more system RAM for current projects. Memory performance is essentially “supercharged,” and 1.4 times faster than Mountain Lion, according to AppleInsider

More Cloud

One current flaw of accessing cloud technology is that when you leave one system, you sometimes must create different passwords. Gizmodo reports that with the iCloud Keychain, logins will be seamless for your apps, your system and any personal info online. You also will be able to access any books you’ve ever downloaded with an Apple product and easily download new titles.
Backing up your system online also will be easier, especially with secure encrypted services like Mozy's online backup.

As the future of computer is going to be increasingly about accessing the cloud vs. programs on your individual desktop, Mavericks’ features will put Apple users light years beyond others. They’ll have easy access to any title in the Apple library on any device and will no longer have to remember passwords.

Photo by Flickr user aditza121

By John Libby

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Author Bio - John is an aspiring musician (read: he’s a waiter) hoping to hit it big in New York, N.Y.