OSX Yosemite Beta Release Date and Top Features

Apple sold 4.4 million Mac computers in the last quarter that ended in late June. On the heels of that success, the company will be releasing a test version of its upcoming Mac O.S. 10.10 Yosemite operating system.

The official launch will be in the fall, but the company is giving eager Mac fans a chance to test drive the software and report any bugs or mishaps early.

The beta sign-up is still open at Apple's website, too, but the company warns potential beta users to backup their data, and use a secondary Mac as the software can still have some kinks in it.

For those who sign up using their Apple ID, an email with a download link should arrive some time Thursday. There are some 1 million beta testers already to check out the new software, a reports say.

So what's the difference in Mac's new operating system? First of all, it plans to make the relationship between your computer and your iPhone or iPad more seamless, even allowing your computer to take phone calls.

Other features, which were the talk of the town in San Francisco last month during the Worldwide Developers Conference, include updated notification center features (so you can keep up with incoming emails, Tweets, etc), a dark mode (easier on the eyes, with a bit of green-friendly power saving?) and the ability to sync Yosemite with your mobile iOS operating system.

The latter new feature will make using AirDrop file sharing, iMessage and a host of other mobile features a bit easier than it is now.

Other features that will be available when the Yosemite officially launches will be the ability to exchange SMS messages, a new thing called Handoff, Instant Hotspot, and an iCloud Drive. There may never be another reason to opt for Google software extras on your Mac computer or devices if all the extra features end up working as advertised.

One of the biggest changes with the new OS 10.10 include a change in typeface. The system will no longer use Lucinda Grande for its system typeface, instead opting for Helvetica Neue. The new icons in Yosemite pop out with a smooth rounded edges you find on your iPhone or other iOS product.

The new system will also have a redesigned Spotlight feature that will link with Wikipedia, Bing and other maps to help users find what they need.

There are also more tools to help you plan your day with a redesigned Today view that will include stock, weather, and calendar information in easy view.