Mac OS 9.1, which Apple Computer has been calling "Fortissimo," moved into its sixth final candidate stage with the seeding of Mac OS 9.1f6 just prior to this past weekend. While the majority of Fortissimo's new features have already been published in a previous reports, a handful of juicy enhancements continue to be uncovered just prior to its release.
For starters, the Energy Saver control panel has been revised to sport 4 tabs, instead of 3 buttons. The additional tab, labeled "Notification," contains options for scheduled shutdown of a user's Macintosh. The user can now elect to be notified 15 minutes before the computer is set to shut down via a text message, a blinking icon, a system sound or all three. Additionally, it also provides an option to play a system sound when the computer is set to wakeup.
Fortissimo's Sound control panel will also sport a new tabbed interface. According to sources, the control device has been updated to recognize a number of new external speakers such as Harman Kardon's sound sticks and subwoofer.
A revised Network Browser that is expected to ship with the release of Mac OS 9.1 has been updated to support the company's iDisk technology. An option available via the applications server button now displays an option to connected to a user's iDisk and have the contents displayed within the browser.
A new preference dialog that appears as part of Fortissimos multi-user controls has incorporated a tab for custom 'Hot Keys,' as well as an 'Advanced Controls' panel, which allows users to select Dolby Surround Pro Logic Sound Processing. The dialog also provides options to allow DVDAccess via web links, sources said.
Finally, sources noted some advancements to Apple's Audio Player. According to the application's preference dialog, 3D stereo is now powered by Spatalizer Audio Laboratories.
Mac OS 9.1 is expected to turn Golden Master this week. According to sources the release should become public in about a month's time. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.
