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Last week we reported that Apple had called a special media event called 'Back to the Mac". While no firm topic was announced at that time, the Internet had a pretty good idea of at least some of the announcements that were going to be made. Below we've compiled a list of the highlights of the event as well as given direct links to Apple.com for detailed information.

If you would like to view the media event in its entirety, view the Apple Special Event coverage.

FaceTime to Mac:

Apple's FaceTime application, which allows iPhone 4 and latest-gen iPod Touch users to access video chat functionality, is now available in beta form for all Mac users as well.

Current Mac users should be pleased with this free application, which will allow them to video chat with other FaceTime users for free over Wi-Fi at just a touch of a button.

As an aside, the FaceTime application is an additional, separate program from iChat currently boxed-in with all Macs.

For detailed info about FaceTime for Mac, check out the FaceTime for Mac page on Apple.com.

 

New MacBook Air:

The redesigned MacBook Air is a big step forward for Apple's ultra-portable notebook. The engineering teams focused on delivering an uncompromised computing experience in addition to unparalleled mobility.

Of course, the new MacBook Air has a tiny profile; measuring 0.68 inches at the back of the device and 0.11 inches toward the front. The MacBook Air weighs just 2.9 lbs for the 13 inch model, and weighs 2.3 lbs. for the brand new 11 inch model.

Additionally, Apple has revamped their multi-touch track pad for better user interaction, and they converted their internal memory to flash storage (up to 256 GB) for "instant-on" capabilities and "all-day battery-life". The 11 inch MacBook Air has 5 hours of battery-life, while the 13 inch MacBook Air has 7 hours of battery life. Both SKUs have up to 30 days of standby time to allow for instant-on functionality.

As far as performance, the devices support Intel Core 2 Duo processors, nVidia GT 320M GPU with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM, 2 GB of RAM, and 1366 x 768 and 1440 x 900 resolutions for the 11 and 13 inch models, respectively.

Detailed information concerning design, features, performance, software, etc. on Apple.com.

 

OS X Lion:

OS X Lion is Apple's latest version of their operating system. It is incorporating several features beloved by iPhone and iPad users to the Mac to make the user experience more enjoyable. OS x Lion will be available in Summer 2011, though a beta program will allow users to start testing the product in just a couple months.

1. The Mac App Store will bring a tailored experience specifically to Mac users, making Mac-specific apps easier to find, install and keep up to date.
2. Launchpad is an application dock that houses all of your apps for easy, instant access without any of the clutter.
3. Full-screen app view.
4. Mission Control is similar to the PC's Task Manager, but the active prorams will be displayed in detail on one screen rather than in list form. 

For a sneak peek at OS X Lion, take a look at Apple.com.

GD Staff   FollowGameDynamo

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