Apple Launches First Beta Of OS X 10.9.2 For Registered Developers

by Joe White

December 20, 2013

Apple launched OS X 10.9.1 a couple of days ago, and as such it comes as no surprise to hear that the Cupertino, Calif. company is making progress with a subsequent update, OS X 10.9.2. In fact, Apple has already provided registered developers with access to the first beta of OS X 10.9.2 for Mac, and the software update makes a number of small changes to computers running the company’s OS X Mavericks desktop operating system.

The main change made to OS X Mavericks with OS X 10.9.2 appears to be support for FaceTime Audio, according to 9to5Mac. FaceTime Audio has been “integrated deeply into the Messages and FaceTime apps,” the publication explains, noting that the feature allows users to partake in free Internet voice calls using Apple’s FaceTime service.

Here’s a screenshot:

Further changes made in OS X 10.9.2 concern minor tweaks to the Mail app. As you’ll remember, Mail for Mac is an application Apple aimed to improve with OS X 10.9.1; particularly, the recent update brought a number of bug fixes and performance improvements for Google Mail users.

Over on the iOS side, Apple has been releasing betas for iOS 7.1, which is expected to reach iDevice users next month (based on last year’s release schedule for iOS 6.1). Particular changes and improvements concern the activation of iOS in the Car, which is expected to make its debut with the minor update. Countless bugs, including one affecting AirPlay’s behaviour with third-party apps and services, have also been squashed in the update.

Apple incorporated a number of iOS-specific features within OS X Mavericks, adding a Maps app, an iBooks app, and Notification Sync. The software update can be downloaded free of charge using the Mac App Store, and the ease (and cost) of the transition has resulted in adoption for Apple’s latest iteration of OS X being the best to date.