Apple Releases Mac OS X Public Beta
Preview of Apple’s Next-Generation Operating System
APPLE EXPO PARIS-September 13, 2000-Apple today released Mac OS X Public
Beta, a preview version of Apple’s next-generation operating system. Users
can purchase Mac OS X Public Beta on Apple’s Online Store (www.apple.com)
for $29.95. Mac OS X features state-of-the-art technology throughout,
including advanced Internet and graphics technologies, a new user interface
named “Aqua,” and an open-source UNIX-based foundation named Darwin.
“Mac OS X is the future of the Macintosh, and the most technically advanced
personal computer operating system ever,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.
“We’re excited to have our users test drive this public beta version and
provide us with their valuable feedback.”
The Mac OS X Public Beta is available in English, French and German from
The Apple Store for $29.95. Apple has created a Mac OS X tab on its web
site at www.apple.com which contains in-depth information on Mac OS X,
including regular updates on third-party applications, tips and tricks and
technical support information.
Mac OS X features true memory protection, pre-emptive multi-tasking, and
symmetric multiprocessing when running on the new dual-processor Power Mac
G4 line. Mac OS X includes Apple’s new Quartz 2D graphics engine (based on
the Internet-standard Portable Document Format) for stunning graphics and
broad font support; OpenGL for spectacular 3D graphics and gaming, and
QuickTime for streaming audio and video. In addition, Mac OS X features
Apple’s new user interface named “Aqua,” which combines superior
ease-of-use with amazing new functionality such as the “Dock,” a
breakthrough for organizing applications, documents and miniaturized
windows. Mac OS X Public Beta includes many applications, including Apple’s
new Mail client (IMAP and POP compatible) and new versions of the QuickTime
player and Sherlock Internet searching tool, as well as a beta version of
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, the most popular browser for the Mac.
Availability
Mac OS X Public Beta is available immediately in English, French and German
from The Apple Store (www.apple.com) for US$29.95. Mac OS X Public Beta is
designed to run on all Macintosh computers using PowerPC G3 and G4
processor chips, and requires a minimum of 128MB of memory (the original
PowerBook G3 and processor upgrade cards are not supported). Mac OS X
version 1.0 will be released in early 2001.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple
II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh.
Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to
students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world
through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings.