Mac OS X Mountain Lion brings your Mac to the TV
Mac OS X Mountain Lion, Apple’s next-generation operating system for its MacBook and iMac family, is finally bringing Airplay, which allows users to mirror their screen to the television seamlessly, to the Mac.
Of course, you will need an Apple TV hooked up to your television set to take advantage of the new feature.
What started as AirTunes back in 2004, in conjunction with Apple’s Airport Express, which allowed users to wirelessly stream their iTunes library to speakers remotely, as evolved into AirPlay — technology that lets you move content, whether it be video or music, to speakers or an Apple TV-equipped television quickly and efficiently.
After iOS 5 came out, iPad users could finally ditch the cord connected between the television and their iPad and stream via Apple TV. While it is seamless, there is a slight delay, which makes playing games on the big screen somewhat difficult.
Mirroring what’s on your Mac to your television set may be a fun party game, but could see some serious use in the education sector. Teachers who routinely use PowerPoint presentations (or Keynote) now have a much easier way of projecting that information if they have a TV in the classroom and an Apple TV.
While entertaining at home, it might be a great way to show a photo slideshow or home movie you just finished editing. Audio and video will stream wirelessly.
Mac OS X Mountain Lion is Apple’s next-generation operating system that is expected to be released in less than two weeks. The new operating system will bridge the gap between iOS (think iPad and iPhone) and the Mac. Alongside AirPlay, new features include bringing Apple’s GameCenter and apps such as Reminders and the Notification Center.
Safari is also receiving a nice upgrade and Apple’s cloud-based technology, iCloud, is also expected to be further integrated.
Mountain Lion will be priced at $19.99 and only be released in the Mac App Store.
What feature are you most excited about? Do you have a use for AirPlay and the Mac? Let us know below.
July 16th, 2012
I wouldn’t really have a good use for Airplay from my Mac, but I agree that this could really help when it comes to education. There are a lot of ways teachers can use this.