Top 10 New Features of OS X Yosemite

With iOS 8 recently rolled out, Apple has decided to release their new computer operating system, OS X Yosemite.

Mavericks was the last iteration and had plenty of new features, but with Yosemite, you get something fresh. Though it is a large download, the installation is actually pretty quick, and the new features make it worth the hassle.

Below are the top ten features new in Yosemite that weren't in Mavericks or other versions.

The Top Ten

  1. Making Phone Calls

    Sending iMessages isn't new to the Mac world, but now you can send regular texts to non-iPhone users, as well as make phone calls, as long as your Mac and iPhone are currently using the same iCloud account.

    Ooooh! Is this update available on iMacs? I absolutely need this!

  2. Dark Mode

    If you don't like the bright menu bars and dock, you can switch to Dark Mode in the general system preferences and make the desktop a little easier on the eyes.

  3. Sign Documents with your Trackpad

    Yes, you can now sign your name with your trackpad - no need for a separate device to use a digital signature.

  4. Device Handoff

    You can now start tasks on one device and send them to another. For example, open Safari on your Mac and seamlessly switch to your iPhone or iPad to keep browsing, or vice versa.

  5. Send Sound with Messages

    Just like with iOS 8, you can send sound clips when messaging through your Mac.

  6. Screen Recording

    You can now record your screen activity to any device running iOS 8 that is plugged into your computer.

  7. Safari Tab View

    Other browsers have been doing this for years, but Safari got an upgrade with Yosemite. Now, you can see all your open tabs at once.

  8. Private Browsing Grouping

    While browsing in Safari, all your private tabs will appear in a separate window from your regular browsing tabs.

  9. 3D Maps

    With the Maps application, you can enter the name of a popular city and instantly be given a 3D flyover.

  10. Desktop Aesthetics

    Let's be honest, the new look the Mac takes on is awesome.

    11. The Contenders

  11. Customizable Notification Center

    Just like with iOS 8, you can now add widgets to your notification center, including some third-party apps.

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