Mac OS X Mountain Lion adds iOS-style automatic downloads
The new version of Mac OS X gets automatic downloads, another new feature dragged in from Apple's mobile software.
Mac OS X Mountain Lion -- the next version of Apple's glossy desktop operating system -- is getting an automatic downloads feature that's borrowed straight from iOS.
The latest edition of the Mountain Lion developer preview adds the new tool, which sees other Macs logged into the same account automatically downloading apps when you purchase them, 9to5Mac reports.
The new feature doesn't seem to work yet, but expect it to be primed and ready to go once Mountain Lion is finished. It's due out this summer.
iOS devices already offer this feature, funnelling apps to your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad if you've already bought them on another bit of kit. If you've never experienced this feature on your own iDevice and are wondering how to turn it on, go to Settings and tap Store. You might have to enter your Apple ID and password, which any iOS user will know is always a thrill.
Avid operating system watchers will know Apple's slowly adding more and more features from its mobile platform to its desktop variant. Mountain Lion will also bring iOS-style notifications, for example, which will incorporate programs such as email and iMessage, as well as Twitter mentions and direct messages.
Other incoming features include AirPlay Mirroring to stream your Mac's screen to a telly that's hooked up to Apple TV, as well as iOS apps Notes and Game Center. A new security tool called Gatekeeper will only let software that's had Apple's stamp of approval be installed on your computer.
Will you be taming Mountain Lion? Or would you rather keep Apple's wildcat out of your camp with a ring of Windows 8 perimeter fires? Which iOS features would you like to see worked into OS X? Notify me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Image credit: 9to5Mac