Next Mac OS may include Siri, Apple Maps

The launch of the next version of Apple’s operating system for Mac computers is still a long way off, and in all likelihood the announcement is expected to take place at the Worldwide Developers Conference event. However, this has not stopped the leaks from seeping in and the first rumour that surrounds the upcoming OS is that it may feature Siri and Apple Maps integration, two features that are currently found on iOS devices.

According to a report by 9to5Mac, sources have informed it that Siri, Apple’s voice recognition assistant, is integrated into early builds of the OS X 10.9, like the new iPad models running iOS 6. It is uncertain yet if Siri will be available for all users when OS X 10.9 is officially released. This is said because, as of now, Siri is available on only a handful of devices such as the newer iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch models. Hence, Apple may decide to limit its availability on Macs.

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Rumours of next Mac operating software begin

The report goes on to state, “In addition to that, Apple plans to integrate its so-far criticized and controversial mapping service into OS X as a framework for developers, according to people familiar with early testing. Like on iOS devices, if the feature moves past early testing, developers will be able to embed a map into their applications for the Mac App Store.”

With the MapKit framework used for iOS, in OS X 10.9, it is possible that Apple will expand its mapping work on the Mac apart from increasing integration for developers. The report notes that it may be possible that Apple will want to integrate its Maps app on the Mac as well. However, there is no confirmation on this.

The report adds, “We understand that development of OS X 10.9 began simultaneously with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Apple worked on multiple features for its future Mac operating systems amidst the launch of the iOS-inspired OS X Lion in 2011, according to people familiar with Apple’s OS X software development. Apple chose to distribute the remaining features from iOS across OS X 10.8 and 10.9.”

Some of the Mountain Lion OS X 10.9 features are:

• It claims to offer better integration with social networks such as Facebook. It will also come with built-in features to allow sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other services. For instance, you’ll get notifications when you get a message or a mention in a Facebook or Twitter post. You need to sign in only once, and you can share directly from other apps you are using.
• Power Nap ensures that Mac gets updated even while it’s in power-saving ‘sleep’ mode. It will get your email messages, back up your files and download software updates automatically. It will work with recent MacBook Air computers and the higher-end MacBook Pro model, the one with the sharper, ‘Retina’ display.
• It comes with a new Messages app, which has been taken from Apple’s mobile operating system, will replace iChat. It will allow users to send messages to other Apple users, whether that person is on a Mac or an Apple mobile device.
• Mountain Lion will be integrated with iCloud, the new Internet storage service designed for the mobile devices.
• The software will bring dictation to Macs, essentially allowing the computer to type as you talk.
• Game Center will store high game scores and help users find opponents on both Macs and Apple mobile devices.