A Chance To Test Out The Newest Apple System

Apple recently released a new initiative called the OS X Beta Seed Program (aka Appleseed) to let you be the first to try out Apple’s latest and greatest operating system. Previously, regular folks like you and me would never be able to try out its latest operating systems before they were released to the public, as this privilege only was granted to Apple developers (who paid $99 per year!). For a limited time, Apple has opened up this program for free.

mw-click-043014-mavericks-beta

Image 1 of 2

A screenshot of the OS X Beta Seed Program

Appleseed definitely is not for the non-techie, but for you curious folks out there, Apple is hoping this initiative will help to work out the bugs and improve the software. The company is looking particularly for feedback on Graphics Drivers, Audio, Mail, Safari and iTunes contacts and calendar synchronization.

If you’re ready to take the leap, you’ll need to have an existing Apple ID and agree to submit feedback to Apple to sign up. Your computer needs to be running a minimum of OS X 10.9 Mavericks. And keep in mind that, if you do this, you could be inconveniencing yourself since it’s the first version and there will most likely be some bugs and decreased functionality. Once you install it, you’ll be running OS X 10.9.3.

Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: My Incredible Body

My Incredible Body is geared toward keiki, but it can be interesting for anyone who wants to know about the human body. My daughter recently has been obsessed with looking at pictures of the spine and stomach, so this app is perfect to keep her entertained and informed. Her favorite part of this app, of course, are the digestive and skeletal parts.

In addition, the app includes information about the nervous, respiratory, urinary, sensory, muscular and cardiovascular systems. The simple informative videos, interactive tours and diagrams help you become an expert about your body’s systems. The information it gives is general, but delivered in a very kid-friendly manner. You can watch a short one- to two-minute 3-D animation on each body system. After each video, you then can proceed at your own pace to a more in-depth look at each part.

For example, my daughter also likes the rocket rides through the body to experience how the blood flows and how messages travel to and from your brain, and learning about how the skull bones fit together and what the busiest muscle in your body is, and how certain parts got their names.

The bottom line is that although My Incredible Body is recommended for 9- to 11-year-olds, my 4-year old loves it and I love it. It’s good for all ages, and well worth the $2.99 price. Unfortunately, it’s available for iOS only.

clickchick@outlook.com