14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released the second beta of OS X 10.10.1, an upcoming incremental update for Yosemite users tasked with addressing bugs in key areas of the operating system, like WiFi, Exchange, and Notification Center.
As usual, the Cupertino giant urges testers to note that beta versions of OS X are not to be used on production machines.
“Please be aware that you will not be able to revert back to your previous system after updating. Please install this update on a system you are prepared to erase if necessary,” says the Mac maker.
First timers can install the update using the OS X Software Update Seed Configuration Utility from the Mac Dev Center, then via the Mac App Store they can obtain Yosemite directly.
Those who already have the OS X Software Update Seed Configuration Utility installed on their test machines can go right ahead and choose Software Update from the Apple menu or launch the Mac App Store and look for the new Yosemite beta in the Updates tab.
What’s new in build 14B23
Unfortunately, Apple has stopped providing specifics in its seed notes for quite some time now. Most seed notes these days only include the focus areas, which remain unchanged in the current build: WiFi, Exchange accounts in Mail, and Notification Center.
At least two of these three areas are in dire need of attention. Lengthy threads on the Apple Support Communities forum indicate that Yosemite has crippled WiFi connectivity for many users who upgraded from an older version of OS X, while Notification Center suffers from bugs that we’ve been able to confirm first-hand. Exchange, for its part, has always been buggy on OS X.
Public release unknown
As usual, Apple hasn’t made any announcements as to when 10.10.1 will be released to the general population. While some customers are dying to get their hands on the update, the Cupertino company will most likely continue to iron out any remaining bugs in future betas.
It’s not out of the question to see such an update rolled out after just two beta seeds, but considering the number of bugs reported in the new OS, Apple may want to diligently test out every corner of the system to ensure smooth sailing.
Developers looking to code apps using Yosemite are advised to grab a stable build, namely the one on the Mac App Store where everyone has access. Xcode 6.1 is required to develop applications.
