TORONTO – Apple’s latest operating system OS X Yosemite is officially available for download for free for Mac users.
Yosemite, also known as Mac OS X 10.10, was designed to look more like Apple’s mobile OS and offers a more seamless user experience for those working on multiple Apple devices.
READ MORE: Apple unveils new iPads, iMac with Retina display
Though Yosemite will look familiar to those already using Apple’s iOS 8 mobile operating system, there are many useful features Mac users should familiarize themselves with before upgrading. Here are the top five features you will want to know about:
Make phone calls and send texts from your Mac
One of Yosemite’s most talked about features is the ability to make calls and send SMS text messages from your computer via your iPhone.
Previously, Mac allowed users to send iMessages through the Mac “Messages” app, but the new feature allows users to access their iPhone’s voice and data plan to message contacts that don’t use iMessage, or make phone calls without paying additional fees.
To use the feature, your iPhone and Mac must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Users will have to wait until Monday, when iOS 8.1 is available for download for iPhones, to use the feature.
Better search
Apple has put a lot of work into enhancing the Mac’s spotlight search, identified by the little magnifying glass at the top right hand corner of the desktop.
Previously, Spotlight could search your entire computer for files, photos and other data, but with OS X Yosemite Spotlight can now search through apps, calendar, iTunes and even Wikipedia. The improved search can even return map results for locations.
Mail Drop
Mail Drop allows users to send large files over email – but instead of pushing the entire file by email and overloading mail servers, Yosemite automatically uploads the attachment to iCloud and creates a link that the recipient can click for the full file.
Handoff
A new feature called Handoff allows users to start an activity on one device and send it off to another to finish – for example, users can start an email on their Mac and finish and send it on their iPad.
Handoff works with Apple’s Mail, Safari, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar and Contacts apps. Apple is also allowing third-party app developers to build Handoff into their apps, which means other apps may soon offer the feature.
To use Handoff your devices must be signed into the same iCloud account, be connected via BlueTooth and the iPad or iPhone must be running iOS 8. The devices also have to be within close proximity to each other – 33 feet to be exact, according to MacWorld.
Instant Hotspot
If you have an iPhone or an iPad with cellular connectivity, Yosemite now allows you to activate a personal hotspot without even touching your mobile device.
Before you panic about unintentional data-overages – don’t worry. To activate the Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad you must first select the device from the Wi-Fi menu on your Mac.
The feature requires a hefty data plan if you plan to use it often, but is a handy alternative if you are stuck without a Wi-Fi connection.
Comments