September 2, 2014

Beta.

So I updated my MacBook Pro to the latest beta version of OS X Yosemite. If you like numbers, please note that this is OS X version 10.10, which has some people in a hissy fit because they say you can’t go from 10.9 to 10.10, you have to go to 11.0. I don’t know why people think that because I just updated my application at work to version 4.5.8.5. I like to be contrary.

Apple has announced that they’re having a big event a week from today and I wish I could say that I’m excited about it. They’re being extra secretive this time around and haven’t passed the latest beta version of iOS 8 onto the developers. I really hope the last version of iOS 8 given to developers is the real version because I find it underwhelming and buggy.

Both the new versions of OS X and iOS 8 feel underwhelming to me. I’m not suppose to talk about the contents of the software because of Non Disclosure Agreements and all that, so I won’t go into any details but I can say that it feels like Apple is making changes for aesthetic reasons instead of functional reasons. There’s a strong focus on “pretty” and I use that term loosely. I’m not a fan of some of the color choices and the transparent elements in the interface hearken back to the days of Microsoft Windows Vista, and even computer novices know how well Vista was received.

I will be curious to see what Apple announced on Tuesday the 9th and since I’m due for a new smartphone, their announcements will heavily impact any technology decisions I make this autumn.

I’m really hoping that they wow and dazzle me, but I don’t know if they can meet my expectations.