OS X

It would appear that Apple is heading in a direction that would suggest openness - that is, according to their most recent opening of labs. Working with the folks at Backchannel, Apple has shown off a set of images and details that suggest they (still) take product testing seriously. Above-and-beyond seriously, testing not only the look and feel of the products they create, but the sound. And not just the sound for loudness - they're making certain their mouse hits the right note when it clicks one way or the other.

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As Apple continues to release beta versions of the upcoming OS X 10.11.1 build to developers, the latest version has contained some hints of new keyboard, mouse, and trackpad accessories. French website Consomac has discovered configuration files that make specific mentions of a Magic Trackpad 2, a Magic Mouse 2, and a Magic Keyboard. Assuming these are products nearing release, it seems most likely they will be announced alongside the new 4K 21.5-inch iMac, rumored to debut next week.

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Apple's collection of new devices may continue to expand as early as next week, this time with a 21.5-inch iMac. This iMac would have a 4K display - that's 4096 x 2304 pixels - the same as spotted in El Capitan developer beta codes earlier this year. This new iMac would sit beside the 27-inch 5K iMac already in stores, while previous 21.5-inch iMacs with 1920 x 1080 resolution display would be phased out entirely. Meanwhile the MacBook Pro line awaits its own reboot with the newest-generation Intel processor collection.

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How do I download OS X El Capitan? That's the question we've heard many times since WWDC earlier this year. This morning Apple flipped the switch for OS X El Capitan, allowing users around the world to access their newest operating system. This version of OS X brings a revamp to a number of core apps - Maps and Spotlight in particular. Battery performance will be given a kick in the pants, as will processing performance. This update is all about refining and improving what was released with OS X Yosemite last year - and it's a solid update you'll be glad you initiated.

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2014's OS X Yosemite was Apple's big release; if this were the iPhone, then El Capitan would be the "S" update and expectations comparatively low. While many of the changes this time around have been relatively small, mind, that's not to say this new OS X doesn't make some noticeable improvements, particularly if you're not already using a super-fast current MacBook Pro or Mac Pro.

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Just as they do every year, Adobe has announced new versions of its Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements software, their consumer-level photo and video editing applications. Both packages have received brand new tools and features, as well as improvements to the existing set, making editing easier for those not interested in the full-blown professional suite of software. Both Photoshop and Premiere Elements will be released later this year on both Mac and Windows, for $99 each or together for $149.

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Disappointed that Apple didn't give due attention to OS X at its big keynote event? Well, be the green eyed monster no longer, because Apple is actually launching something that users, at least developers and beta testers, can actually get their hands on today. The Golden Master or GM version of OS X 10.11 El Capitan is now available for this select group of very early adopters, giving confidence that Apple will indeed meet its September 30 deadline for releasing the software to the general public.

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Arriving hot on the heels of the new Parallels Desktop 11, VMware has just launched version 8 of its Fusion software, another popular OS X virtualization option. Available now on VMware's website, Fusion 8 is said to feature more than 50 new features, including better graphics performance over version 7. But it's clearly the biggest new additions that are the most important, namely support for both the upcoming release of OS X El Capitan, and Microsoft's new Windows 10 operating system.

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Apparently, the leaks had a some meat to it after all. Microsoft is really trying to push Cortana everywhere. From Windows to Xbox to Android, the latest platform to get Microsoft's virtual assistant is the Mac. Not directly, mind you, but thanks to the new Parallels Desktop version 11, which brings support for Windows 10 on both Yosemite and the upcoming El Capitan. In addition, Parallels for Mac now branches off into three edition, with a new Pro Edition specially targeted at developers and designers.

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New Apple accessories for desktop computers appear in FCC listings, likely headed for release later this Summer. Today we're seeing two wireless devices, on Apple mouse, the other an Apple wireless keyboard. The keyboard has not had a refresh since 2011 while the mouse (also known as the Magic Mouse) has not had a refresh since the year 2009. It's about time for that to happen. Inside these devices is no longer the Bluetooth 2.1 (BCM2042 inside) they originally came packed with, but Bluetooth 4.2 with Bluetooth LE Low Energy.

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Apple has released an OS X system update for Yosemite users, bringing the version up to 10.10.5. While the update addresses a number of small bugs, its primary focus is fixing the recently discussed DYLD privilege escalation security exploit. The vulnerability has the potential to allow malware to get root access to a Mac, which is why concerns were raised last week that Apple may not be issuing a fix until the release of OS X 10.11 El Capitan. Fortunately the company has followed through on its promise, releasing the patch right away.

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Apple has released a new update for its Boot Camp software, which allows users to install Microsoft's Windows operating system on a partitioned hard drive and take advantage of a dual setup, according to a new document on the company's Support page. Bringing Boot Camp up to version 6, the update's main new feature is support for 64-bit versions of the newly-released Windows 10. The update is being released as a standard OS X system update, however it's gradually rolling out to users.

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