Last Thursday, Apple released a pre-release version of OS X Yosemite to users who signed up for the company’s OS X public beta program. Public beta program members can access promo codes from the beta program website that allow them to download Yosemite from the app store for free.
The majority of the reviews for Yosemite are positive, with several reviewers noting improvements in Safari, Messaging, and Notifications. However, the highly anticipated Continuity features, which allow for the integration of OS X with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 8, is missing from the beta.
Signing up for the beta is easy. All you need is a Mac running OS X Maverick and an Apple ID to register on Apple’s website. I would recommend installing it on a secondary Mac if possible, as there have been reports of some bugs and errors. Some remaining bugs include crashes in Activity Monitor, making and receiving calls with the FaceTime app, and unreliable WiFi connections. It is important to remember that this is only the beta version and some bugs are anticipated.
OS X Yosemite is expected to remain in Beta until this October, possibly around the time of the iWatch and new iPad release. One thing’s for certain, this fall will be a defining quarter for Apple’s future. .
