Apple recently released OS X Lion, the newest version of the Macintosh computer’s operating system. Microsoft will be also be releasing its newest Windows 8, which is in its final stages of development and was previewed at the D9 conference, the Wall Street Journal’s digital media forum last June. While both systems have comparable features, they each have unique aspects also.
Apple aims to change the base user experience of its computer products by redesigning and introducing numerous new features into its signature OS X platform, used for years to run Apple MacBooks and the iMac.
Similarly, Microsoft’s next-generation operating system, Windows 8, also sports a slew of new features and, most significantly, a new aesthetic makeover.
Although released ahead of Windows 8, the Lion will no longer maintain the advantages that the Mac and other Apple products have long enjoyed in touch gesture technology, being as Windows 8 will be fully touch optimized. This means that Windows 8 will be readily compatible with a wide range of hardware types such as tablets and touchscreen computers.
Both operating systems offer full screen apps and also the ability to easily switch between running apps by performing a two-finger multi-touch gesture known as “swiping”. Microsoft has also displayed intent in developing an app store which would match Apple’s ___.
The OS X Lion and Windows 8 user interfaces are very different in appearance, but work similarly. Both are influenced by their respective mobile operating systems. The Windows 8 interface will replace the classic Windows Start Menu with a tile-based, full screen display of apps, which is accurately represented in the current Windows Phone 7 mobile OS. The OS X Lion can also display apps side by side in full screen like the iPhone and iPad through the new Launchpad feature.
In terms of features that the two operating systems do not share in common, most prominent are the OS X Lion’s AirDrop and Windows 8’s ability to resize an app for multitasking. The Airdrop allows Mac users to send files to other Airdrop users within 30 feet without WiFi. Windows 8 allows users to move a running app to the side in order to perform another task.
The OS X Lion also made various improvements to the security and email systems in addition to the features mentioned above. However, Windows 8’s final details will not be further disclosed until mid September at Microsoft’s development event, which implies that more features may be included in the final release.
Apple aims to change the base user experience of its computer products by redesigning and introducing numerous new features into its signature OS X platform, used for years to run Apple MacBooks and the iMac.
Similarly, Microsoft’s next-generation operating system, Windows 8, also sports a slew of new features and, most significantly, a new aesthetic makeover.
Although released ahead of Windows 8, the Lion will no longer maintain the advantages that the Mac and other Apple products have long enjoyed in touch gesture technology, being as Windows 8 will be fully touch optimized. This means that Windows 8 will be readily compatible with a wide range of hardware types such as tablets and touchscreen computers.
Both operating systems offer full screen apps and also the ability to easily switch between running apps by performing a two-finger multi-touch gesture known as “swiping”. Microsoft has also displayed intent in developing an app store which would match Apple’s ___.
The OS X Lion and Windows 8 user interfaces are very different in appearance, but work similarly. Both are influenced by their respective mobile operating systems. The Windows 8 interface will replace the classic Windows Start Menu with a tile-based, full screen display of apps, which is accurately represented in the current Windows Phone 7 mobile OS. The OS X Lion can also display apps side by side in full screen like the iPhone and iPad through the new Launchpad feature.
In terms of features that the two operating systems do not share in common, most prominent are the OS X Lion’s AirDrop and Windows 8’s ability to resize an app for multitasking. The Airdrop allows Mac users to send files to other Airdrop users within 30 feet without WiFi. Windows 8 allows users to move a running app to the side in order to perform another task.
The OS X Lion also made various improvements to the security and email systems in addition to the features mentioned above. However, Windows 8’s final details will not be further disclosed until mid September at Microsoft’s development event, which implies that more features may be included in the final release.
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