OS X Mountain Lion is our best OS yet. Because all these new features add up to one amazing experience on your Mac. And every device you use.
Accessibility
Improved preference pane
Mountain Lion makes it easier to customize your settings with the redesigned Accessibility pane in System Preferences.Accessibility pane available from anywhere
You can access the Accessibility pane from anywhere on your Mac with the Command-Option-F5 keyboard shortcut.New braille display support
Mountain Lion supports 14 new braille displays.Drag and drop using modifier keys
Drag and drop with VoiceOver now supports modifier keys such as Command and Option, allowing you to execute different actions based on the context.Reorder tables
You can now reorder tables by column headers using VoiceOver.Drag items to hotspots
You can now drag items to hotspots using VoiceOver.Support for press and hold buttons
VoiceOver in Mountain Lion supports press and hold buttons.
AirPlay Mirroring1
Wireless mirroring
Send what’s on your Mac screen to an HDTV wirelessly with Apple TV. Mirroring is great for classrooms, conference rooms, and your living room.High definition
AirPlay Mirroring sends a video stream automatically optimized for the HD capabilities of your Mac and Apple TV. It supports up to 1080p HD.Automatic detection
When a Mac with Mountain Lion detects an Apple TV on the same network, the AirPlay Mirroring menu item appears in the menu bar.Menu item
To wirelessly mirror your Mac to your HDTV, click the AirPlay Mirroring menu item and choose your Apple TV. Use the menu to select a different Apple TV on your network and set resolution matching.Resolution matching
AirPlay Mirroring scales the contents of your Mac desktop to fit on your HDTV. For a sharper image, choose to set the resolution of your desktop to best match that of your Apple TV.Seamless integration with iTunes
When you play movies or TV shows with iTunes on your Mac, AirPlay Mirroring will automatically switch to a full-screen AirPlay experience on your HDTV.Encrypted streaming
AirPlay Mirroring uses encryption to securely send what’s on your Mac to your Apple TV.Audio support
With AirPlay Mirroring, audio from your Mac is wirelessly sent to your Apple TV. You can use this feature independent of AirPlay Mirroring by selecting your Apple TV in the Sound pane of System Preferences.High performance
AirPlay Mirroring takes advantage of advanced hardware video encoding to deliver high-definition mirroring efficiently and optimize processor use.
Auto Save
Rename from the title bar
Rename a document without leaving the app. Just click the filename in the title bar and choose Rename from the document menu.Revert to last saved
Easily revert to the last saved version of a document to instantly undo all changes you made since you last saved the document.Move to iCloud
Instantly move iCloud-supported documents to iCloud from the document menu.Prompt to save when closing a document
The new “Ask to keep changes when closing a document” preference prompts you to keep or discard changes when closing a document.Untitled documents in the cloud
Untitled iCloud-supported documents are stored in iCloud so they’re available on all your devices.Keyboard shortcut for Duplicate
Quickly duplicate a document using the Command-Shift-S keyboard shortcut.Keyboard shortcut for Save As
Use Command-Shift-Option-S to save a document using a different name and location.
Built-in Sharing
Share button
Built into many Mountain Lion apps, the Share button reveals a menu of sharing services appropriate for the application you’re using.Share sheets
Share sheets appear in the app you’re using, so you can share quickly and easily — there’s no need to switch to another app and drag in a file.Share menu services
When you click the Share button, the Share menu presents services that are relevant to the app you’re using and the type of file you’re sharing.Share anything
With built-in sharing, it’s easy to share photos, videos, links, and documents from the apps you use to view them. Share using Mail, Messages, and AirDrop. And share directly to Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo, and Flickr.Single sign-on
Sign in once to Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo and Flickr and your Mac is all set up to share right from the apps that support it.
Calendar
Calendar sidebar
Click the Calendars button to keep a list of all your calendars accessible in a sidebar.Search suggestions
When you’re searching for an event, Calendar offers suggestions so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.Search tokens
When you select a suggestion, Calendar creates a search token displaying a list of events that contain a match. Combine multiple tokens to refine a search.New date picker
The new date picker in the inspector displays a mini calendar so you can easily change the date of an event.Event notifications
Calendar notifies you with an alert when an event is about to occur. Open Notification Center to see a list of upcoming events.
Contacts
Groups column
Contacts includes a new groups column, which always gives you quick access to your contact groups.Unified view
Contacts brings information about your contacts together and displays it on one card — even across multiple services. So if you have a friend’s phone number in Yahoo! and his email address in iCloud, Contacts creates one entry.Share button
Easily share contact information to Mail, Messages, or AirDrop from the Share button in Contacts.
Dashboard
Widget browser
Dashboard includes a new widget browser that makes it even easier to find a widget.Search widgets
Quickly find widgets with the new search field. In the widget browser, start typing the name of the widget and Dashboard displays the results. Click the widget to add it to your Dashboard.Create folders of widgets
Organize your widgets into folders in the widget browser.
Dictation
Talk anywhere you can type
OS X now supports Dictation. So wherever you can type, you can use your voice instead. Just select a text field and turn Dictation on. Use the keyboard shortcut — press the Function key twice — or choose Dictation from the Edit menu in any app. When you’re finished speaking, click Done. Dictation converts your words into text.Works with any app
Dictation works with text fields in any OS X app — no additional third-party developer support is required.Works with Contacts
Just say your friend’s name, and Dictation knows who you mean. It works with information in the Contacts app to recognize and spell names accurately, even if they have unusual spellings.Keyboard shortcut
Press the Function key twice to start Dictation. Press it twice again when you’re done speaking.No setup or training required
No setup or special training is required. Dictation just works. The more you use it, the better it understands you. Dictation learns the characteristics of your voice and adapts to your accent.Works out of the box
Dictation uses the built-in microphone on your Mac, so it works as soon as you start speaking. You can also use an additional microphone.Dictate commands
Dictation understands basic text-related commands such as “all caps,” “new paragraph,” and “new line.” When you say “period,” “comma,” “question mark,” or “exclamation point,” Dictation punctuates for you.Languages
Dictation supports English (U.S., UK, and Australia), French, German, and Japanese. When your system is set to one of these languages, it automatically enters the right text.
Dictionary
Swipe between pages
Swipe left or right on the trackpad to navigate through your history in Dictionary.New dictionaries
The Dictionary application in Mountain Lion includes Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and German definition dictionaries.
Single sign-on
Sign in once and your Mac is all set up to share even easier to Facebook, right from your apps. It sets up Notification Center and Contacts to work with Facebook, too. And you can post to Facebook without signing in again.Facebook notifications
When you are signed in to Facebook, you can see your Facebook notifications in Notification Center.Facebook Share sheet
When you select Facebook from the Share menu, you see the Facebook Share sheet. It’s a handy card that includes the content you’re posting and makes it easy to add a comment. When you post a photo, you can add it to one of your albums.Location
Let your Facebook friends know where you are. Click the location indicator in the Facebook Share sheet and add a location to your post.Facebook friends in Contacts
When you’re set up for Facebook in Mountain Lion, it adds your Facebook friends to Contacts — with profile photos and contact information. When friends update their information on Facebook, it’s automatically updated in Contacts.Add profile photos
You can add profile photos for contacts who aren’t Facebook friends by choosing Update Contacts in the Facebook settings of Mail, Contacts, and Calendar.Facebook integration coming this fall.
Features for China
Improved text input
Typing Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese is easier, faster, and more accurate than ever. As you type, Mountain Lion offers more up-to-date and relevant candidates for words and phrases.Dynamic word lists
Mountain Lion draws word and phrase suggestions from lists of words that update dynamically without the need for an OS X update.Fuzzy Pinyin input
Mountain Lion adds support for Fuzzy Pinyin, which makes text input easier for users who type Pinyin with regional pronunciations.Pinyin autocorrection
When you mistype a word, Mountain Lion offers a likely candidate for the word you meant to type.Better handwriting recognition
Mountain Lion supports almost 30,000 Chinese characters. Handwriting recognition complies with the GB-18030 standard for character support.Mix Chinese and English
You can now type English words in a Pinyin sentence without switching keyboards.User dictionary in iCloud
When you add words to your user dictionary in the Pinyin input method, iCloud makes them available on all your devices.2Emoji and facemarks
You can now easily add emoji and facemarks to a Pinyin sentence without switching keyboards.Definition dictionary
The Standard Dictionary of Contemporary Chinese is now available in the Dictionary app for those using Simplified Chinese.Lookup
Lookup in Mountain Lion supports Simplified Chinese. Place your cursor over the word and tap with three fingers on the trackpad to see the definition. If you use a mouse, Control-click the word and choose Look Up from the contextual menu.Sina Weibo
Sina Weibo, the popular Chinese microblogging service, is built into the Share menu. Sign in once and it’s set up. You can share links and photos to Sina directly from Safari, Preview, Photo Booth, and Quick Look. And it works with Notification Center, so you get a notification whenever someone mentions you in a post or sends you a direct message.Youku and Tudou video upload
Easily share videos on popular Chinese video-sharing websites Youku and Tudou. When you preview a video file in QuickTime Player or Quick Look, you can post it directly to Youku or Tudou with the Share button — without switching to another app. With single sign-on, log in once and start posting videos.Baidu search in Safari
Baidu, the leading Chinese search provider, is a built-in option for searching in Safari.Easy setup for popular mail clients
Mountain Lion makes it easy to set up Mail with the popular services QQ Mail, 126, and 163.New fonts
Mountain Lion includes eight new fonts, from modern to classical, for Chinese users.
Finder
Inline progress for downloads and file copies
When copying a file from a server or connected drive, you’ll see its progress in the file’s icon in the Finder. You can also cancel a copy in progress.Easy encryption
You can now encrypt a drive from the Finder. Select the drive and choose Encrypt from the contextual menu.Share button
The Finder in Mountain Lion includes a Share button, so you can share files using Messages, AirDrop, or Mail.Customizable sidebar
Customize the sidebar by dragging categories to the desired location.Tap for Quick Look
Instantly preview files with a three-finger tap on the trackpad.
Game Center
Game Center app
The new Game Center app in Mountain Lion lets you set up and personalize your gaming experience. Use your Apple ID to create a Game Center account or log in with your existing account from iOS. Once you’re signed in to Game Center, the app provides a complete view of your gaming network.Friend discovery
Game Center shows you everyone in your gaming network and lets you browse your friends’ friends. If you see someone you want to play, send a friend request. Game Center even recommends new friends to expand your gaming network.Game discovery
The Game Center app shows you which games your friends play and lets you browse recommendations for new games you might like. Open the Mac App Store from Game Center to purchase and download new games.Leaderboards
Check out leaderboards in Game Center to find out how your scores rank among your friends’. You can also see how you rank among the scores for the day, the week, or all time. And you’ll see the top players of each game.Achievements
You’ve discovered hidden items or completed a challenging level. In Game Center, you can see your hard-earned achievements and compare your feats with those of your friends.Multiplayer games
Game Center lets you play multiplayer games with friends on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.Find opponents
Invite your friends to play right from a game. Game Center also automatically matches you with players who want to play the same game.In-game voice chat
During live multiplayer games, in-game voice chat lets you talk with your opponents or team members.Notifications
When a friend request or an invitation to a game arrives, you see it in Notification Center. As you play a turn-based game, you receive a notification when you’re up next.Parental controls
In the Parental Controls pane of System Preferences, you can choose to allow your child to play Game Center-enabled multiplayer games or add friends in Game Center.
Gatekeeper
Choose where apps are installed from
Gatekeeper gives you three security options for downloading and installing apps for your Mac. You can download and install apps from anywhere, with the same protection that OS X Lion provides. For maximum security, choose to allow only apps from the Mac App Store to be installed. Or download and install apps from the Mac App Store and apps that have been signed with a Developer ID.Gatekeeper alert
Mountain Lion alerts you if you download and try to install an application from a developer who does not have a Developer ID.Manual override
If you receive an alert that an app is from an unidentified developer, you can still choose to install it. Control-click the installer or the application icon to reveal a contextual menu. Choose Open and you’ll see a dialog that allows you to install the application.
iCloud
Automatic setup
When setting up a new Mac, getting started is even easier in Mountain Lion with iCloud because it automatically uses content from your iPhone or iPad. And it’s just as easy to set up iCloud on any Mac. In Setup Assistant, sign in with your Apple ID and iCloud is automatically set up across all the apps that use it. It pushes your accounts, settings, and content to your Mac so you’re ready to go.Create a new iCloud account in Setup Assistant
When you start up a Mac for the first time, you can create a new iCloud account in Setup Assistant, so you’re ready to go as soon as you get to the desktop.iCloud Document Library
The iCloud Document Library is a convenient, consistent way to access your iCloud documents across all your Mac computers and iOS devices. It shows you the documents for the app you're using. When you're in Pages, for example, you can see all your iCloud Pages documents with the most recent one at the top.Built-in sharing
The Document Library includes Share sheets for Messages, AirDrop, and Mail so it’s easy to share documents stored in iCloud.Icon and list view
In the iCloud Document Library, you can view your iCloud documents as icons or as an ordered list.Sort options
In list view in the Document Library, sort documents by name, date modified, or file size. In icon view, scroll down to reveal options for sorting by date or name.Document folders
In the iCloud Document Library, you can organize documents into folders by dragging one document onto another — just as you do on your iPhone or iPad. Folders you create on one device automatically appear in the iCloud Document Library. And when you open an app on any device, you’ll see your iCloud document folders for that app.
Launchpad
Launchpad search
Launchpad in Mountain Lion includes a search field that makes finding apps even easier. When you enter Launchpad, start typing the name of the app you’re looking for and Launchpad displays matching results. Click the app to open it.
Mac App Store
OS X software updates
In Mountain Lion, OS X software updates are available through the Mac App Store. It’s a central location for updating OS X and your apps.Mac App Store notifications
The Mac App Store notifies you when updates are available for OS X or purchased apps.Apps pushed to all Mac computers
The Mac App Store in Mountain Lion can automatically download apps purchased on another Mac.Share button
Share a link to your favorite apps from the Mac App Store using Messages, Twitter, or Facebook.Full screen
Take the Mac App Store full screen to browse apps using the entire display.Swipe between pages
Navigate the Mac App Store using Multi-Touch gestures. Swipe left or right on the trackpad or mouse to go back and forward through your history.Automatic download of app updates
The Mac App Store automatically downloads app updates and OS X software updates so they’re ready to be installed.
VIPs
Indicate the people who are most important to you by making them VIPs. Just click the star next to a name at the top of a message.VIP smart mailbox
To view all messages sent from VIPs, click the VIP smart mailbox in the favorites bar.Mail notifications
When new mail arrives, you receive notifications by default. You can also choose to be notified when VIPs send you messages, when messages arrive in a certain mailbox, or when you get a message from a particular person in Contacts.Inline find
Easily find a word or phrase in a message. As you type, Mail instantly highlights all occurrences of the text you’re looking for in a specific message while dimming the rest of the message. The Find banner displays the number of results. Use the arrow keys to browse matches.Click to go to top of inbox
Click the sort bar at the top of the message list to go instantly to the top of the list.Web page sharing options
The Share button lets you email a web page from Safari. You can send the page in Reader view, or as a web page, PDF, or link right from the message window.Preferences pushed to iCloud
iCloud pushes your VIPs and recent senders to all your devices.3
Messages
iMessage
With iMessage, you can send messages to anyone who has an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 5 or later, or a Mac with Mountain Lion.Elegant new design
The elegant design of Messages makes it easy to follow conversations. Your current conversations are listed on the right and ongoing conversations on the left, with the most recent on top. Messages stores your message history, so you can pick up a conversation where you left off.Autocomplete names
It’s easy to start conversations. Start typing a friend’s name in the To field and Messages works with Contacts to autocomplete it — no need to add friends to a buddy list.Send to phone number or email address
You can send iMessages to a phone number or to an email address associated with an Apple ID.Easy group messaging
Easily send messages to a group. Just type each name in the To field. When friends reply, everyone sees the responses.Delivery receipts
With iMessage delivery receipts, you know when your messages have been delivered.Read receipts
You can let friends know that you’ve read their messages by turning on read receipts in Messages preferences. iMessage informs your friends when you’ve read their messages.Conversations everywhere
iMessage keeps your conversations up to date on all your devices. You can start a conversation on your Mac and pick up where you left off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.Encrypted messaging
iMessage uses end-to-end encryption so your conversations are private and secure.Send large attachments
Send high-quality photos, full HD video, or documents. iMessage allows attachments of up to 100MB.Typing indicator
As soon as a friend starts typing a reply, Messages displays ellipsis points in your conversation to let you know a response is on the way.Search messages
Use the search field to quickly find recipients or messages you sent.Forward a message
To forward a message to a friend, click the message to highlight it and then choose Forward from the contextual menu. You can even select multiple messages.Message notifications
When someone sends you a new message, you receive a notification even when Messages is not running.Full screen
With Messages in full screen, you can take advantage of the entire display.Support for instant messaging services
Messages supports the traditional instant messaging services supported by iChat, including AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, and Jabber.Switch to video
Switching from a conversation to a video call is easy. Click the FaceTime button to open the FaceTime app and initiate a video call with your friend.
Notes
Pushed to all devices
With iCloud, your notes stay up to date on all your devices. Create notes on your Mac, and they appear in the Notes app on your iPad. Change a note on the go on your iPhone, and it’s updated on your Mac.Folders
Stay organized by arranging notes in folders.Search
Use the search field to quickly find the note you’re looking for.Add links
Notes supports links — simply highlight a URL and drag it into the note.Photos and attachments
Drag a photo or an attachment into a note to include it.Fonts, bullets, and lists
Format your note with fonts, rich text, bulleted items, and numbered lists.Pin notes
Pin a note to keep it handy on your desktop. Just double-click, and your note opens in its own window. Even if you close Notes, the note stays open on your desktop. You can pin multiple notes to see them all at a glance.Built-in sharing
The Share button is built into Notes, so it’s easy to send a note to a friend or colleague using Mail or Messages.Full screen
Click the full-screen button to take one or all of your notes full screen.Multiple accounts
Notes works with IMAP services, so your notes stay up to date on your devices. You can also create notes and folders that appear only on your Mac.
Notification Center
Notification Center
If you miss a banner or want to see all your notifications, you can find them in Notification Center. Notification Center consolidates notifications from Messages, Calendar, Mail, Reminders, and third-party apps in one convenient place.Menu bar icon
An icon in the menu bar indicates when you have new notifications. Click the icon to reveal Notification Center and view all notifications.Accessible anywhere
You can access Notification Center anytime, even when you’re using a full-screen app. Swipe from the right edge of the trackpad with two fingers or click the Notification Center icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. Notification Center slides in from the right. To hide it when you’re done, just swipe back or click the icon again.Banner notifications
Banners appear in the upper-right corner of the screen and slide away into Notification Center after 5 seconds. You can click the banner to go directly to the app.Alert notifications
Alerts appear in the upper-right corner of the screen and remain there until you click Close. To go to the app, click Show.Easy to configure
Configure your notifications in System Preferences. You can select which apps send you notifications, the order in which you see them, how many recent items appear, and whether you receive a banner or an alert.Show Notifications
In Notification Center, swipe down to reveal the Show Notifications switch, which prevents banners and alerts from appearing in the upper-right corner of your screen. Notifications still appear when you open Notification Center.Uninterrupted presentations
Notifications won’t interrupt you. They’re automatically disabled while you’re presenting in Keynote. They also won’t appear if your display is mirrored on an external monitor.Tweet
Share your thoughts to Twitter right from Notification Center. Click the Twitter button and add your comments in the Share sheet. When you add the @, the Tweet sheet fills in the rest from Contacts.Post to Facebook
Update your status message in Notification Center. Click Facebook, type your status, and post.
Photo Booth
Share sheet
Photo Booth includes Share sheets for AirDrop, Messages, Mail, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Vimeo. So you can easily share your favorite Photo Booth shots.Set picture as Twitter profile picture
Take a picture in Photo Booth and use the Share button to instantly make it your Twitter profile picture.
Power Nap4
Ready when you are
With Power Nap, your Mac sleeps but your applications stay up to date. So you have the latest information — such as mail, notes, reminders, and messages — when your Mac wakes up.Backups and updates
Power Nap performs Time Machine backups to Time Capsule and downloads OS X software updates while your Mac sleeps, so you can begin installing as soon as you wake it up.Power efficient
Power Nap works whether your Mac is plugged into an AC power outlet or is using battery power.Silent operation
Power Nap refreshes the data on your Mac silently; no fans or lights come on.
Preview
Documents in the Cloud
Preview in Mountain Lion supports Documents in the Cloud so you can access your PDF documents and images from anywhere.Built-in sharing
Preview includes a Share button so you can easily share documents to Messages, AirDrop, or Mail. Images can also be shared using Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.Fill out PDF forms
Preview lets you quickly fill out forms. Using image analysis, Preview detects areas that are intended for text entry, such as underlining and boxes. Just click to add your text. And click to select checkboxes.Inline notes in PDF documents
Adding comments to a PDF document is even easier in Mountain Lion. Click the area where you want to add the comment and start typing. When you’re done, the text is hidden. Click to read the comment.View all notes and highlights
Choose Highlights and Notes from the View menu to display all your notes and highlights in the sidebar.Search notes and highlights
Search notes and highlights in a PDF document either by author or by content.Insert page from scanner
Preview makes it easy to scan pages and images directly into an existing PDF document.
QuickTime X
High-performance H.264 encoding5
When you select a standard HD export setting, QuickTime Player takes advantage of hardware video encoding for optimal performance.Built-in sharing
QuickTime Player includes new Share sheets for Messages, AirDrop, and Mail.AVCHD video
In Mountain Lion, QuickTime Player makes working with AVCHD video easy. A built-in clip browser shows you the video clips in your AVCHD media. Choose the clip you're interested in to immediately play it back, quickly trim it to the perfect length, and even share it with others.
Reminders
Reminder lists
Stay organized with to-do lists. Create lists and add reminders or drag reminders into existing lists. To see more than one list, select multiple lists in the left column. You can also keep a list handy on your desktop. Double-click the left column, and the list opens in its own window.Add due dates
Manage your tasks with due dates. Add a due date to a reminder and Reminders alerts you when the deadline approaches.Set priority
Prioritize a task by choosing low, medium, or high.Search
The search field makes it easy to find a specific reminder.Location-based reminders
Add a location to a reminder on your Mac, and receive a notification on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Mac when you depart from or arrive at that location.6Pushed to all devices
iCloud keeps your reminders and lists up to date on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and PC. Create a reminder on the go and it’s automatically available on your Mac. Organize lists of tasks on your Mac and stay on top of them with your iPhone.Reminder notifications
You receive a notification when a reminder is due. Upcoming reminders appear in Notification Center.Mark as complete
When you complete a task, click the checkbox and the task is removed from the list. At any time, you can see the items you’ve completed by clicking the Completed list.Swipe between reminder lists
Swipe left or right on the trackpad or mouse to quickly move between lists.View as a single column
For a more compact view, hide the Reminders sidebar so your reminder list is front and center. You can access your other lists by swiping left or right on the trackpad or mouse.View by date
Keep track of tasks by due date. Click a date in the calendar to see all the reminders due that day.View completed tasks
Click the checkbox when you’ve finished a task, and Reminders removes it from the list. You can see everything you’ve finished by clicking Completed at the top of each list.Multiple accounts
Reminders works with CalDAV services like Google Calendar and Yahoo! Calendar. You can also create reminders that appear only on your Mac.
Safari
Smart search field
Safari now has one field for typing both search terms and web addresses. When you type in the field, Safari detects a likely web page match based on your previous browsing and presents it as a Top Hit. Top Hit suggestions improve as you select the results.Share button
The Share button is built into Safari, so it’s easy to share web pages using Mail, Messages, Facebook, and Twitter.Offline Reading List
Safari saves the web pages in your Reading List so you can catch up on your reading even when you don’t have an Internet connection. If an article in your Reading List contains multiple pages, Safari fetches the pages and stores them, so you can read the entire article offline.Tab View
Use Multi-Touch gestures to switch between your tabs. On the trackpad, pinching in reveals your open tabs. In Tab View, a two-finger swipe navigates between them.Password AutoFill
When you log in to a website, Safari offers to save your password for AutoFill, so you don’t have to type it the next time you log in.View passwords
If you forget a saved password, you can find it in the new Passwords pane in Safari. Use your system password to authenticate, and you’ll see all your passwords.iCloud Tabs
Pick up browsing right where you left off — on your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Mac.7 iCloud makes your open Safari tabs available on all your devices, so you can access the last websites you looked at.Smooth scrolling
Thanks to hardware acceleration, web pages scroll smoothly in the browser window even when your Mac is loading new web page content.Do Not Track
Safari supports an emerging privacy standard called “Do Not Track.” When you turn on Do Not Track or surf the web with Private Browsing, Safari asks the websites you visit not to track you online.Rename bookmarks in the bookmarks bar
Click and hold a bookmark or folder to rename it.Improved hardware acceleration
With improved hardware acceleration, Safari renders text and graphics even faster.Faster performance
Safari speeds up JavaScript performance by up to 6 percent compared with Safari 5.1.8
Security
Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper gives you three security options for downloading and installing apps for your Mac. You can download and install apps from anywhere, with the same protection that OS X Lion provides. For maximum security, choose to allow only apps from the Mac App Store to be installed. Or download and install apps from the Mac App Store and apps that have been signed with a Developer ID.FIPS 140-2 certification in progress
Encryption in Mountain Lion is in the process of being certified for FIPS 140-2, the government security standard.Kernel ASLR
Kernel ASLR helps keep your system safe from malicious software. Kernel ASLR randomly arranges kernel components in memory at boot time to make it significantly more difficult for an attacker to use kernel functions in an unintended way by calling their memory addresses.Management tools for FileVault
FileVault in OS X provides new management capabilities using the fdesetup command-line tool. fdesetup allows third-party management tools to enable FileVault, determine encryption status, capture and manage recovery keys, and add users to a FileVault-encrypted system as well as synchronize directory-based user authentication credentials with the local credentials for FileVault access.More sandboxed apps
In Mountain Lion, FaceTime, Mail, Reminders, Notes, Game Center, and Safari are sandboxed applications.Check for updates daily
Mountain Lion checks for new updates every day, making sure you have the latest software for your Mac.Safari safe HTML handling
When you open an HTML file saved from the web, Safari displays only local information and does not access remote resources or send data to a remote server.
System
Go full screen on any display
If you have a secondary display connected to your Mac, you can take an app full screen on either display. Drag the window to the desired display and click the full-screen button.Drag and drop files in screen sharing
Copying files from one Mac to another is as easy as drag and drop in screen sharing. Simply drag the file from the remote Mac to your local Mac and it’s copied.Improved scroll bars
Scroll bars in Mountain Lion expand when you hover the cursor over them, so it’s easier to scroll a web page or document.Game Center-enabled Chess
Chess in Mountain Lion includes Game Center support so you can go head to head with your friends. Sign in to the Game Center app to see your achievements and track your progress.Photo Stream screen saver
Choose Photo Stream as the source for your photos, and showcase your most recent shots while you’re away from your Mac.New slideshows
Mountain Lion includes new screen saver slideshows: Flip-up, Floating, Holiday Mobile, Ken Burns, Origami, Photo Mobile, Photo Wall, Reflections, Scrapbook, Shatter, Shifting Tiles, Sliding Panels, Snapshots, and Vintage Prints.Faces integration in photo picker
The photo picker now includes Faces, which displays all the pictures of you contained in your iPhoto library. So it’s easy to choose a photo for your account picture, Contacts card, or Messages account.Easier AirPrint setup
Set up and print to an AirPrint-enabled printer on your network without having to download a driver. The printer appears in the Nearby Printers list in the Print dialog.Smart Collections in Font Book
Create collections of your favorite fonts using Smart Collections that instantly display all fonts based on search criteria.Xsan 3
Mountain Lion includes Xsan, the high-performance cluster file system for accessing data from shared storage.X11 install on demand
X11 on Mountain Lion now uses install on demand. When you first launch an app that requires X11 libraries, you are directed to a download location for the most up-to-date version of X11 for Mac.
TextEdit
Pinch to zoom text
Pinch the trackpad to zoom in on a document.Documents in the Cloud
TextEdit supports Documents in the Cloud so you can access your TextEdit documents from anywhere.
Time Machine
Encrypted backup
Mountain Lion includes the option to create encrypted backups on Time Capsule.Backup to multiple locations
Time Machine allows you to choose multiple backup locations and seamlessly switch between them. Now you can have a backup of your data at work and at home.
