Ask Andru: Will OS X Mavericks be compatible with my Mac?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, PC / Laptop, Software,

Apple announced OS X Mavericks a few days ago during the WWDC 2013 keynote, and we've been getting a bunch of questions about which Macs will work with the new operating system, like this one from Anette:

Q: OS X Mavericks looks cool, despite the silly name. However, it seems that when new software is introduced, a bunch of hardware is left out of the mix. Apple didn't make it clear which Macs will be able to run Mavericks. Do you know? Here's hoping my 2010 MacBook Air isn't left out in the cold!

A: Thankfully, it appears that Mavericks will be pretty forgiving, and won't need super-new hardware in order to run. In fact, it will run on some Macs that are as much as 6-years old. Here's the list:

• iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
• MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later), (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later), (17-inch, Late 2007 or later)
• MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
• Mac Mini (Early 2009 or later)
• Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
• Xserve (Early 2009)

As you can see, anyone who has bought a Mac within the past four years is covered and will be able to run OS X Mavericks. Mac Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook aluminum buyers as far back as 2008 are also good. In fact, some MacBook Pro and iMac buyers from back in 2007 can even get in on the Mavericks action. We'd say that this is a pretty large blanket of Mac users that will be able to enjoy the next generation of OS X.

OS X 10.9 Mavericks is set to launch later this fall, and will be available exclusively on the Mac App Store. No pricing has been announced just yet, but if history is any indication, it will cost between $19.99 and $29.99.

Want To Write for Gear Live? Here’s Your Chance!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Announcements,

Okay, we get it. You read Gear Live daily, and constantly say to yourself “I could so have written that story better.” Okay hot shot, now’s your chance. Gear Live is looking to bring in a couple more writers who know their stuff as it pertains to gadgets, video games, and social networks (like Twitter and Facebook.) You need not be a professional journalist to apply, but you should be able to write like one. What do we mean? Well, for starters, you have to have a strong command of the written English language. You also need to be passionate about the subject matter at hand. If you think you fit the bill, we want to hear from you. We are looking for writers, as well as editors.

Drop us an email at gigs[at]gearlive.com, and provide three sample posts written in the Gear Live style. These need to be original and timely, not something you wrote for the school paper a few years back. Also let us know why we should pick you, and what you can commit to. This is a paid gig, so bring your A-game.

Mario Kart 8 set for Spring 2014 Wii U release [Video]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Driving, E3, Nintendo, Wii U,

Nintendo has announced that the next verion of Mario Kart is set for a spring 2014 release. Mario Kart 8 will be released on the Wii U, bringing new 3D effects and anti-gravity racing to Nintendo's struggling home console. Expect things like underwater racing, air gliging, motorcycles, and more. Nintendo even says that Miiverse will be deeply integrated into the title. Jump past the break for a look at the official trailer out of E3.

Click to continue reading Mario Kart 8 set for Spring 2014 Wii U release [Video]

OS X Mavericks includes offline dictation with live feedback

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

While looking through the various settings in OS X Mavericks, we uncovered a feature that went unannounced during the WWDC 2013 keynote. Apple will feature Enhanced Dictation in OS X 10.9 Mavericks, allowing users to use the feature when offline, and also providing the ability to get live feedback, so you can see what OS X is interpreting before it takes action, rather than having to fix it after the fact. Enabling Enhanced Dictation will require a 785 MB download, and the feature isn't yet enabled in the currently-available Developer Preview.

We'll report back with any other interesting Mavericks features we stumble across as we make our way through the next version of OS X.

Pre-order your Xbox One Day One Special Edition console now!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Home Entertainment, Microsoft, Video Games,

If you are interested in being one of the very first to own the Xbox One this November, you'll be happy to know that you can pre-order the Xbox One right now. In fact, if you pre-order your Xbox One now, you'll get a special Day One Edition console. The system functionality itself won't be any different, however, you'll get a custom controller (pictured above) along with a special Xbox Live achievement that lets others know that you were there on day one. Additionally, Microsoft will also be selling a Day One Edition Xbox Live Gold 12-month pass that includes an exclusive Killer Instinct character. Pretty cool.

Ready to pre-order? Here are the links:

• Pre-order Xbox One from the Microsoft Store
• Pre-order Xbox One from Amazon

As we reported earlier, you can also pre-order the PlayStation 4 right now as well.

Sony PlayStation 4 goes on sale this holiday season for $399, pre-order now!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Home Entertainment, Video Games,

Yesterday Sony revealed the price of the PlayStation 4 console, which is set to launch this holiday season: $399. The PS4, which has no restrictions on used games, renting games, or lending games to friends, will cost a full $100 less than the Xbox One, which will impose each of those restrictions on its users. For your $400 you get the PlayStation 4 console, one DualShock 4 controller, HDMI cable, microUSB cable, and power cable. The PlayStation 4 Eye will be sold separately for $59.

Now that the price has been revealed, what do you think? Are you going with the Xbox One? PS4? Both?

You can pre-order the PlayStation 4 right now for release date delivery. You can also pre-order the Xbox One right now as well.

Apple announces iWork for iCloud with Office document support

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Internet, Microsoft, Software,

During yesterday's WWDC 2013 keynote, Apple's Roger Rosner took the stage to show off iWork for iCloud, a new feature coming to iCloud later this fall. The new cloud productivity suite, now available to Apple developers in beta, allows users to create and edit Numbers, Keynote, and Pages documents right in the web browser, regardless of browser or operating system. This gives Windows users the ability to create and edit iWork documents for the first time.

During the demo, it was revealed that the iWork for iCloud suite will be feature-rich, allowing users to drag-and-drop images right into the app, and use multitouch gestures to manipulate media. Additionally, iWork for iCloud allows users to add and edit Microsoft Office documents for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This makes it easy for users of multiple platforms to work with documents without missing out on essential features.

OS X 10.9 Mavericks Developer Preview now live

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

After a rough start following the WWDC 2013 keynote which saw Apple's servers melt under the pressure of thousands of devs all trying to grab iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks, we can now confirm that it is safe for developers to head to the Dev Portal to grab a copy of OS X 10.9, with speedy download speeds to boot.

Safari 6.1 will also bring new sidebar, Shared Links to Mountain Lion

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: PC / Laptop, Software,

Safari 6.1 was announced during today's WWDC 2013 keynote, and brings a new Top Sites layout into the mix, along with a redesigned sidebar for accessing bookmarks, Reading List, and the new Shared Links section (which pulls in links that are shared by people you follow on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.) The features were shown as part of the new OS X Mavericks demo, but as it turns out, OS X Mountain Lion is going to get in on the new Safari love as well. We've actually got Safari 6.1 running here, and have included a screenshot above.

Watch this: Apple explains the changes in iOS 7 [Video]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Software, Videos,

Earlier today Apple revealed iOS 7 to the world, introducing the most radical redesign to its mobile operating system since the launch of the iPhone back in 2007. Check out the video after the break to see Apple's head of design, Jony Ive, explain what went into designing the new software that will soon run on all our iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches.

Click to continue reading Watch this: Apple explains the changes in iOS 7 [Video]