Getting to know Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks (pictures)
The newest version of Apple's desktop operating system upgrades the look of many of the core apps.
Enhanced notifications
Compressed memory
Better video memory managment
Faster performance
More battery life
Available for free, available now
In probably the most welcome Mavericks announcement at the October event, Apple stated that it was going to "revolutionize pricing" by offering the newest version of Mac OS X as a free update for current and past Mac users. Even if you've got an iMac from 2007 (running Snow Leopard), Apple claims you'll be able to run and benefit from OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
Apple unveils OS X Mavericks
At WWDC 2013 in San Francisco, Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi announced OS X 10.9 Mavericks, an update to its desktop operating system. The new software includes face-lifts for iCal and iBooks, file-tagging capabilities, and iCloud Keychain.
Tabbed browsing
A lot like Safari, the Finder in OS X will feature tabbed browsing. To add a new tab, click the plus symbol button, and you can drag and drop tabs in other windows.
Tagging your files
Users can tag files with certain labels such as "Personal" and "Work" to make searching for files easier. These tags show up in Finder's sidebar.
More functionality across displays
The new OS X supports menus across multiple displays. You can summon the Dock, and when you enter full-screen, other displays are left untouched. You can also pan between spaces on each display without messing with the others.
New look for top sites
Safari's home page for top sites will include bookmarks, a reading list, and shared links. You'll now be able to rearrange your Top Sites, and you can drag and drop a bookmark from the sidebar to keep a favorite site handy.
Safari's new sidebar
Safari features a new sidebar, which includes a reading list and bookmarks as well as social-media sites such as Twitter and LinkedIn.
A better reading experience
Safari Reader can load up the next article when you get to the bottom of the one you just finished, and you can jump to articles within Reader alone.
iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain generates Web site log-ins, credit card numbers, account information, and Wi-Fi passwords.
The new look for Calendar
There's a new look for "month view" for the Calendar app that goes along with the new "flat" design aesthetic.
Exploring Apple Maps
The Maps app has come to the Mac and it's much like the iOS version. Users will get 3D flyover, POI search, info cards, and turn-by-turn directions that they can sync with their iPhones.
Send directions to your iPhone
Routes set up on the Mac can also be sent to an iPhone.
We'll always have Paris
Several cities have been mapped for a complete 3D Flyover experience. In this shot is a 3D map rendering of the Eiffel Tower.
Info cards for businesses
Info cards of restaurants and businesses are displayed in Maps.
Event Inspector in Calendar
With the Event Inspector in Calendar, you can get an estimate of how long it'll take you to get to your destination, and you can view a map.
We must go deeper
iBooks also gets a face-lift. Here, users can zoom in on a plant using the trackpad.
Making notes in iBooks
You can also make annotations and highlight text within iBooks.