OS X 10.10.3 Public Beta

Earlier today Apple released its first public beta of the upcoming OS X Yosemite update. I say public, the download is only available to those that have previously registered for the OS X Beta Program! (or you can go to https://appleseed.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/ and download the beta test utility to be able to download betas)

As with any beta release users are advised to back up before downloading and to also be prepared to erase if necessary. If you use your Mac for work etc do you really need to install a beta tho?

The main reason I’ve chosen to download the public beta is because the release includes the new Photos app. Supposedly this new app will work seamlessly between devices like my iPad and iPhone, unlike whats there at the moment. iPhoto just doesn’t do it for me, along with millions of others 😉

Features of the new Photos app, according to Apple:

• Browse photos by time and location in Moments, Collections, and Years views
• Navigate a library using convenient Photos, Shared, Albums, and Projects tabs
• Store all of your photos and videos in iCloud Photo Library in their original format and in full resolution
• Perfect photos with powerful and easy to use editing tools that optimize with a single click or slider, or allow precise adjustments with detailed controls
• Create professional-quality photo books with simplified bookmarking tools, new Apple-designed themes, and new square book formats
• Purchase prints in new square and panoramic sizes

Also included in the public beta are all new emoji and emoji skin tone modifiers. When selecting an emoji with a skin tone, such as one of the many people emoji, it’s now possible to choose a specific skin tone from one of six options.
There are also several new people emoji that introduce greater diversity. Family emoji now include multiple same sex couples, both with children and without, all with variable skin tone options. A welcome addition is the inclusion of many more national flag emojis including Ireland.