“Concerns that Apple Inc.’s next-generation Leopard operating [system] has fallen behind schedule are overblown, according to one Wall Street analyst, who says checks indicated the software is rapidly approaching completion,” Katie Marsal reports for AppleInsider.
“In a report distributed to clients on Monday, American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu downplayed a recent report from Taiwanese-based DigiTimes, which speculated that Apple may push the release out to October in order to increase support for dual-booting Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Vista,” Marsal reports.
“‘From our analysis, we believe these concerns are overdone and believe that Mac OS X Leopard will ship on time in the ‘Spring’ timeframe, or Apple’s June quarter,’ he wrote. ‘Our sources indicate that Apple’s latest beta build has made noticeable improvements in stability and functionality from previous builds and that Apple is likely one or two upcoming builds away from reaching ‘final candidate’ stage to be released for manufacturing,'” Marsal reports.
Marsal reports, “Wu noted that Spring technically runs from around March 20 to June 20 every year, which would give Apple nearly three more months to meet its self-imposed ship deadline. However, he acknowledged that a concerns amongst developers is that they are still in the dark on the software’s ‘top secret’ feature set.”
Full article here.
Related articles:
Apple confirms Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard to ship on schedule in spring 2007 – March 25, 2007
Apple’s Mac OS X Leopard and the Vista-compatibility delay myth – March 24, 2007
Apple to delay Leopard? Digitimes.com’s poor Apple rumor accuracy – March 23, 2007
Apple to postpone Mac OS X Leopard until October in order to support Windows Vista? – March 23, 2007
Just release it when its ready Apple. We don’t need some buggy piece of shit being rushed out of the door. For once I don’t want to regret installing a “.0” version of an Apple OS.
Even the Developers are still in the dark about the “top secret feature set”? They can’t be too copyable, or maybe they ARE? WTF, Vista is out there … they can’t start adding features now, can they?
Perhaps Apple is just wondering which of its troublesome “secret features” it can dump to make deadline!
DLMeyer – the Voice of G.L.Horton’s Stage Page
Told ya.
The fact that we still have not heard about the “top-secret” feature set leads me to believe there are going to be some mind-blowing surprises for us in Leopard! I can’t wait!!!
methinks some top secret features will be revealed at NAB.
Save Vista for running life support systems for the Digitimes staff.
MW: medical – ooooooooh
However, he acknowledged that a concerns amongst developers is that they are still in the dark on the software’s ‘top secret’ feature set.”
That’s what is holding things up, Apple is testing this version of the OS themselves and giving downgraded copies to developers.
I’m almost 100% certain Lepoard will run most Windows based software, without Windows somehow. Codeweavers or something.
In other news, Windows Vista SP1 is being delayed until later this year so that MS can fully examine the GM of OS X 10.5 Leopard.
This is totally unsubstantiated which makes it perfect for Digitimes to publish. Why stop making up lies for hits now? ZDNet will run out material too.
MW: doubt – o.k., stop that.
What checks have they possibly made? Checking what dates Spring covers?
DLMeyer: But that’s the big difference between Apple and Microshaft. MS hypes up features that later get dumped because of problems near an announced deadline (which gets shifted forward), Apple doesn’t tell you any specific deadlies and also does not hype up vaporware. “Secret features” is ambiguous enough, but exciting at the same time.
I can tell you that, judging from the latest developer build, it looks like Leopard’s not even a release or two close to Gold. Maybe three.
Now, if Apple announces new products or feature enhancements at NAB or other impromptu “special event,” then we’ll have a better idea of how much farther Leopard general release will be.
But, right now, I honestly see Leopard going gold just before, if not at, WWDC 2007.
porno holygraphic capabilities will definately be in there thats a given.
To find the ‘secret features’, just click the ‘Lancelot Link’: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancelot_Link
All will be revealed…
So when does Microsoft announce they’ve purchased that Parallels companY?
I’m guessing that the top secret features will be additional bundled applications (plus maybe a new look).
Wouldn’t be at all surprised in iLife wasn’t merged into 10.5, because: a) Jobs said something about applications like Front Row being included in the OS during his WWDC keynote, and b) Vista now has photo editor/movie maker etc built in.
Anyway, the point is, new applications can be launched without prior sight by developers.
It’ll be released when it’s ready. There are still 86 days left until June 20th folks, so just relax…
According to the fantastically accurate sources I have, the top secret features will include iGenie, which will grant you 3 wishes when you install Leopard.
Really, I know because I have a friend who knows a friend who works in Cupertino and has almost-monthly meetings with Steve Jobs. S’true.
VISTA = DOA
LEOPARD = 10% global market share
Really what is all the concern about “TOP SECRET FEATURES”? They are very likely things that we already know about like Resolution Independence. Developers have known about this for a long time. It is a big deal, but certainly secret.
OSX is 6 years old and people are still waiting (hoping) for some great miracle thing to be included in the OS.
Why?
What do you want? And how will it make your life or job easier/better?
@digirati:
I will only buy an Apple TV when iTunes Store offers Lancelot Link episodes for download. I stand by my convictions.
At least Leopard will work with all the addons. software and hardware outthere for OS X.
I say good for Apple to spend time getting it right – everyone is prepared to wait because we know it’s gonna make Vista look like Windows 98 (same code you know!).
The reason why Apple hasn’t let out what the ‘top secret’ features are to developers is because Apple does not want all the Windows Developers who have signed up on the Apple developer scheme to get a pre-copy and take it in to Redmond HQ.
Lets face it, the minute Leopard is out in the retail environment you can guarantee that a copy will be installed on some mac in Redmond in the ‘ripoff’ Apple’s OS’ department.
Microsoft is waiting to announce it’s new features in it’s next OS (Vista is dead guys, sorry to break those windows junkies losers out there the bad news!) and it cant do that until it see Leopard, so they can copy Apple’s new feature set.
Re: Testing New Features
It seems to me that not every feature would require intensive outside testing.
Take the Dashboard, for example, introduced in Tiger. What would an outside developer have to add there? It’s in its own category.
Spotlight. Sure. But iPhoto reading RAW files? It either does it or it doesn’t.
So, what if a new feature is
– 3-D audio simulation a la the iWow SRS plug-in? No need for outside testing.
– Motion Graphics desktop “images”? No need for outside testing.
– iChat telephony to any phone line, a la Skype? No need for outside testing.
Seriously. They could have lots of creative functionality planned that would be entirely internally testable.
Besides, who do people think they are second-guessing from their armchairs the decisions of the Apple leadership and engineers?
What? Are we to think that Shawn Wu (whoever the hell he is) is better positioned to determine what features should be outside-tested than Steve Jobs and family?
Thanks anyway. I’m confident that all will be fine.
How about the magic super secret feature being the ability to run winblows apps WITHOUT having to install XP OR Vista. That would certainly make everyone sit up and take notice
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Shaw Wu has been pretty accurate when it comes to hardware and sales predictions. However, he is treading on thin ice with these software predictions. I don’t think financial analysts should get into the rumor-mongering business. Do they do this with other companies, or just Apple?