14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has seeded a new beta of OS X Mavericks to developers. Labeled as Developer Preview 8, the beta includes a new version of iTunes and requires further attention in several areas where bugs linger still.
Developers are told, “This is a pre-release version of OS X Mavericks. To get OS X v10.9 Developer Preview 8, download Developer Preview 8 from the Mac App Store using your redeem code, then use Software Update to install OS X v10.9 Developer Preview 8.”
The seed notes include several details, including documentation on the “known issues” that need to be resolved.
People with knowledge of the software say migration from Windows now requires Windows Migration Assistant 1.0.3.4, which Apple seeded alongside the new Mavericks beta.
Some issues involving full-screen apps are documented as well. For instance, moving a full-screen Aperture window from one display to another will mess up visibility of that particular window (in some instances).
Also in full-screen Aperture, some menus and thumbnails aren’t immediately available until interacted with, while the toolbar may need to be locked before it can be used. Additionally, Preview may not display cover art for purchased music.
iTunes 11.1 is also included in this build, though Apple fails to mention this in the release notes accompanying Mavericks DP8.
Eagle-eyed testers speaking with 9to5mac also report that Apple is using iOS 7 application icons in the new iTunes, and that there’s a new organizer UI for apps.
OS X Mavericks is relatively close to its public debut, though Apple hasn’t yet disclosed an official launch date for the software. The company’s Mavericks advertising continues to quote the Fall 2013 release.
Apple has been developing OS X Mavericks and iOS 7 in parallel. The latter exited beta (after a total of 6 seeds) with a near-final “GM” build last week. iOS 7 is scheduled to make its debut tomorrow, September 18.