Users can place icons for applications, folders and even documents in the Dock, which is always on-screen by default just click an item to launch it. Like the iOS home screen, Launchpad will feature multiple screens you can swipe through, along with the ability to reorganize applications and group them in folders.Ĭurrent versions of OS X, in contrast, use the Dock as the main application launcher. Launchpad will let you use a hot key or gesture (on a multitouch-enabled trackpad or mouse) to display a grid of icons for all of your installed applications overlaid on your desktop and running apps. Lion's Launchpad will be modeled after the iOS home screen, which serves as the application launcher for iPhones and iPads. I've also included a section on app store alternatives for Leopard and Tiger users, who don't have access to the Mac App Store. Most of the apps work with Snow Leopard and Leopard (Version 10.5) some are available for Tiger (Version 10.4) as well. These free and low-cost tools can help you get results similar to those provided by Lion's Launchpad, Mission Control, systemwide auto-save, Versions, AirDrop, enhanced multitouch capabilities and new Mail layout. In fact, several third-party applications and services already exist to meet the same challenges that Apple is aiming to address with Lion. One of these items has already arrived, of course: The Mac App Store launched for users of Mac OS X Snow Leopard (Version 10.6) in January.Īlthough Lion is still months away, Mac users don't need to wait to get advances similar to the ones planned for the new operating system. * A curated Mac App Store that offers one-click app installation. * The ability for more apps to run in full-screen mode for a distraction-free experience, as Apple's iPhoto and iMovie do now. * An updated interface and improved search capabilities in Mail, Mac OS X's built-in email client.

* More advanced use of multitouch gestures (in the OS itself and available to app developers). * Easier, more secure file sharing among Macs, with a feature called AirDrop.

* The ability for apps to auto-save and auto-resume as in iOS, and a feature called Versions that saves multiple copies of files over time so you can easily revert to a previous iteration after you've made changes.

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