Apple today parted the curtains on its newest big cat. Lion, also to be known as OS X 10.7, will be available in the summer of 2011. While the preview today was more of a glance then an in-depth look, Apple did reveal a few interesting tidbits.
Lions newest interface element, Mission-Control
Courtesy of Apple
The phrase "Back to the Mac," which graced the cover of the event invitations, sums up the design philosophy for Lion. I thought it meant that Apple would be spending a bit more of its time and resources on the Mac, which generates roughly one-third of Apple's revenue, but we learned the phrase actually means that Apple will be taking some of the features found in its iOS devices, and bringing them back to the Mac.
So, what's making the migration?
Multi-touch gestures: Apple will incorporate multi-touch gestures into the Mac OS to support navigation in new features of Lion. While it doesn't appear that their use will be required, you may find that life without a Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or portable Mac's glass trackpad will be less than magical. I expect a few new multi-gesture-capable pointing devices to be available by this time next year.
App Store: The Mac will get apps as well as an App Store. The App Store will be modeled after the existing App Store for iOS devices, with both free and paid apps available for one-click buying and instant download and installation. Unlike what it did with the iOS, Apple won't designate the App Store as the only way to install applications on a Mac. This leaves all existing distribution systems in place, and prevents Apple from wielding too heavy a hand in what will and won't be allowed in the Mac App Store.
Full-Screen Apps: All I can say is "Bleaah!" but that's my personal opinion, and you may not agree. I don't want to work with an application in full screen. The only exception is viewing media, such as DVDs and movies; aside from those few exceptions, I want my apps in a window, please. New versions of the Mac OS will allow applications to take over the entire screen, which may make sense in some cases, and provide a better user experience. Apple will also include multi-touch gestures for navigating between full-screen apps and the desktop.
Mission Control: This is a new user interface component designed to blend Expose, Spaces, Dashboard, and full-screen apps into one easy-to-use interface.
As you can see, the Lion introduction was mostly about user interface elements that will be adopted from iOS devices. I'm sure we will learn more about what's under the Lion's skin as time goes on.
I am a power user and I utilize multiple windows running different tasks. Having an app take over the screen would inhibit that mode of operation.
One reason I switched to Mac years ago was for the superior windowing system.
Allowing applications to take over full screen is a step backwards.
I’m with Jerry. Full-screen applications are a step backwards. Unless I’m playing a game (and sometimes even then), I’m never running fewer than 3 applications. I prefer to be the one to decide how to arrange my workspace, not an application.
I’m reserving judgment on a Mac App Store until it’s up and running, but call me skeptical.
Mary
If that’s going to be the OS, I can do without. Like the iPad, until they add a camera for video talk, i can do without. Guess I’ll stay happy with my Macbook and X.6
I agree with Jerry. If that’s all Apple has up their sleeve they can keep the lion in the cage. Bleah!
I think we have “Mac OS Vista” coming down the pipes, and I think a majority of Mac users would agree. What is Apple thinking taking a full-powered, fully-functional computer (that is 4x the cost of an iPad) and lowering its functionality to that of a mobile device. If we wanted an iPad we would get an iPad. If this is the direction Apple is going, I am seriously considering building a new Windows 7 PC.
I’ve been a supporter of Apple for long time, I was utmost disappointed by the announcement of a store for apps… It’s a shame the way Apple is going, more and more resembling a church. Come on… One store to rule them all.
I couldn’t believe it. It seems like developers Will have to “get back to the PC”. And Lion? WTF? What a stupid, passive, lazy, has-been name. If this is the year for the Mac where are we going to go in 11 and 2012?
Apple has turned away from its core consumer that’s the truth dude. I wish I’m wrong, Steve open the machine, you don’t want the absolute control, you’re company don’t want that. Honest.
Of course the name was changed from Apple computer to Apple Inc. and the revenue from computer is just 1/3..So tommorrow TV, watch, it Will be everywhere. Resisting is being on the wrong side, yet following is a stupid attitude. I wishyou were easier to like – but sorry I don’t recognize you. Why do you think OSX has stopped being a field for innovation ? Are you lacking employées or simply moral probity?
Where’s the vision in following the $$$? people love what you do because you loved what you did, think about it.
Thanks for the info, but please learn the difference between than and then.