Photos: A look at some of the new features in OS X Yosemite
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OS X Yosemite
OS X Yosemite
With OS X Yosemite, Apple appears to have taken inspirationrnfrom the best parts of iOS in its new feature set.
In iOS 7, Apple’s designersrnfocused on using transparency and layers to give a u201csense of placeu201d on thernscreen, showing where different apps and features stood in relation to eachrnother.
The company has brought that to OS X now, with extensive transparencyrnand a unified look that will drive app design on the platform for years torncome.
Note: This gallery is also available as an article.
Yosemite desktop
Yosemite desktop
The overall look of the desktop hasn’t changed much, especiallyrnto the casual observer. But to a designer’s eye, the Dock is taken directlyrnfrom iOS, losing the shelf-like look from Mavericks.
Translucency in OS X Yosemite
Translucency in OS X Yosemite
Translucency is everywhere, with the desktop image comingrnthrough the Dock slightly and the website appearing through the sidebar inrnMessages. It’s a subtle but significant change that makes selection of desktoprnpicture extremely important.
Spotlight redesign
Spotlight redesign
Apple has redesigned Spotlight, taking inspiration from third-partyrnapps like Alfred.rnIt’s in the middle of the screen rather than the top right of the menubar, andrnit pulls information from Maps, Wikipedia, suggested websites, and more, inrnaddition to searching the local computer like it used to.
New notification center
New notification center
The new notification center is more customizable, withrndevelopers able to design widgets for it. The new translucent view isrnapparent here as well.
Continuity in OS X Yosemite
Continuity in OS X Yosemite
As part of its new Continuity feature set, OS X Yosemite canrnnow send and receive phone calls and text messages via a nearby iPhone. Applernis looking to let users do whatever they need to do, from whatever device is inrnfront of them.
New Mail features
New Mail features
Apple has added a number of new features to Mail, including thernability to draw and annotate images right within the app, as well as a new MailDrop feature that allows users to send files as large as 5 GB. MailDroprncompetes directly with similar services from Hightail, DropBox, and others.
Safari improvements
Safari improvements
It’s not just Spotlight that has received an infusion of newrnsearch sources. Safari’s search box now pulls data from Maps, Wikipedia, iTunes, and news sources in addition to the standard search engine results.
Revamped user interface
Revamped user interface
Apple has looked to slim down the user interface across itsrnapps, allowing users to focus on their content. The Safari team has removed thernfavorites toolbar (though it can be turned back on) in favor of a drop-down boxrnshowing frequently visited websites when users click in the address box.
