[MasonMcD]

This is from techs.rosai.com. A lot of this info seems pretty specific, and not rumor-based, though some is also in the rumor mill. Where did they get their info?

Panther Mac OS X 10.3
Beyond the regular 10.2.x updates that focus on speed and stability refinements, Panther 10.3 will, as Jaguar 10.2 did, introduce and enable a lot of new functionality for both users and in network servers.

Users can look forward to improved QuickTime performance from a revised architecture featuring reentrant code (so multiple applications or threads can make calls to QuickTime simultaneously). Since the existing QuickTime is based on--and contains much of--the classic Mac OS, it can't make use of Mac OS X's multithreaded features. New conferencing and collaboration features will tightly integrate QuickTime with existing iApps, and of course, enable some new ones.

Directory Services gets prominent attention as The Way to bring network centric computing to the masses. Not only will Mac OS X based networks be even easier to manage, but Apple will be getting into the action as well to bring seamless new network features to .Mac users: better Mail, a better Address Book, greater sync functionality and above all else: a network home directory available everywhere.

A new open file system design features reduced dependencies on HFS+, and a new Finder departs from its System 7 origins to bring an extensible architecture, smart folders (think Smart Playlists), a Dock with new menus that fly, fly new menus that dock, easy scripting and scheduled automation... and looks like something you'd see on safari.

In addition to better snap in support for network browsing, Panther will introduce certificate based secure session technologies that allow users to seamlessly connect across insecure networks, such as the open Internet, to share files, communicate and even conference with video and text messaging.

Printing gets a facelift and major speed advance along with a new feature set and broader range of supported devices.

Additionally, Panther will eventually deliver the ability to remotely log into a 10.3 server as a graphic user interface shell, allowing users to work remotely from a thin client while leaving the heavy processing on an Xserve. This technology will enable wireless handhelds and other mobile devices to serve more useful purposes, and help deliver the promise of using the Xserve as a workstation for power users.

Similarly, multiple users will be able to log into the same system as graphic user interface shells at once, enabling quick, and even instantaneous, switching between multiple users on the same machine.

For developers, new APIs for Text, Printing and Ink will make it easier to work with new input devices, text localization, imaging devices, and handwritten input. New Audio and Disc Recording APIs make it easier for developers to add authoring features to their applications, and the latest release of WebCore services will enable tight integration of Safari's web engine into any application.

With an exciting new Mac OS X revision every a year and half, Apple's developers are delivering on the promise to build OS X over the next 15 years. Just in time for Mac OS 11! Attend WWDC and you can walk away with your own preview copy.

[Neo.cmg]

Well, unlike OS X v. 10.2, the aforementioned features of v. 10.3--if they are accurate--are hardly worth $129 upgrading for consumers. To me, the only benefits listed above would be the improvements to QuickTime. I can see others might have an interest in the ability to quickly switch between users using graphical interface shells; however, I don't share my machine with others so it's not a very useful feature.

In fact, the change in so many of the API's can only mean that the developers will have to go back and make some changes to their applications for little benefit to the end-user. If the new finder truly does begin to look like safari sporting a brushed-metal user interface, then I think I'll be truly upset. It seems all my applications that were once somewhat colorfol, have taken on this drab brushed-metal interface which defintely plays down some of aqua's inherent strengths.

There are several announcements I'm eagerly anticipating at WWDC, but OS X v. 10.3 doesn't appear to be one of them. Perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised after all come Monday.

Neo.cmg

[Busemann]

I'm sure Apple has some big surprises in store for us that we didn't think about beforehand (like Rendezvous and Quartz Extreme in Jaguar to name a few).

[Nonsuch]

I'm very curious to knew whether Appearances are going to make a comeback.

[Webscreamer]

Originally posted by Nonsuch:
I'm very curious to knew whether Appearances are going to make a comeback.

Amen... Blue an Gray just arn't "cuttin" in.

[JLL]

Originally posted by Neo.cmg:
Well, unlike OS X v. 10.2, the aforementioned features of v. 10.3--if they are accurate--are hardly worth $129 upgrading for consumers. To me, the only benefits listed above would be the improvements to QuickTime. I can see others might have an interest in the ability to quickly switch between users using graphical interface shells; however, I don't share my machine with others so it's not a very useful feature.

Who says that it's a full list of new features? All of them seem to be pro features - and exactly what section on their site is the article posted?

I would jump around wildly and get drunk as soon as possible if thin clients is a feature in Mac OS X Server Panther

[ratlater]

Originally posted by JLL:
I would jump around wildly and get drunk as soon as possible if thin clients is a feature in Mac OS X Server Panther

Same here, and the network homedir/.mac connection would be awesome. Combine that with a finder that doesn't absolutely suck and faster printing and I'm sold.

Getting drunk at 10 am on a Monday probably won't be too good for me, but if they allow remote GUI login I think I'll get blitzed.

-matt

[ckohler]

Appearances. Bleh.
I'm more interested in functionality and performance. Once they've got those parts nailed down pat they can start waisting time letting users destroy UI consistancy.

[clarkgoble]

If they did do a Finder rewrite and a rethink of it as well then that alone would be worth $130. Come on. The Finder sucks. The above sounds a lot like rumors and patents that have been discussed for months. I'm all for it.

The modifications to the dock sound great as well. How many of us have folders of aliases in the dock for quick access to files? Panther sounds like it does that a better way.

[DBvader]

i dont care much about the price, since i am a member of ADC.

i just hope that panther makes my Dual 867 snappy

[CharlesS]

Originally posted by Neo.cmg:
Well, unlike OS X v. 10.2, the aforementioned features of v. 10.3--if they are accurate--are hardly worth $129 upgrading for consumers.

Really? The article basically sounds like wishful thinking to me...

[[APi]TheMan]

Similarly, multiple users will be able to log into the same system as graphic user interface shells at once, enabling quick, and even instantaneous, switching between multiple users on the same machine.

Oh baby. I like that idea a lot. I guess it seems reasonable for Apple to do this, not only because Windows has it, but because more and more people are starting to use computers in a household where there are multiple users on one box, so it just makes sense. This is an awesome feature.

I'm looking forward to 10.3.

[JLFanboy]

If they did do a Finder rewrite and a rethink of it as well then that alone would be worth $130. Come on. The Finder sucks.

It does? Since when? Why wasn't I informed?

Actually, now that I think about, I was having problems. And they were the worst kind of problems, too. They're so bad, I didn't even know I was having them! Here I was, thinking to myself, "Wow, the Finder is pretty kickass!" Stupid, stupid me.

But seriously, I can't wait to find out what's happening in Panther. I remember not being too excited over Jaguar, but after I heard the feature list I had to have it. And education pricing rawks!

As has been said, there must be features that we haven't even heard of, or even imagined that are gonna be in there. I'm pretty psyched, to say the least.

[Immortal K-Mart Employee]

"Dock with new menus that fly, fly new menus that dock"

What the hell is that?

[JLFanboy]

I think that second "fly" is a typo.

[Appleman]

I think Apple will indeed come with some serious stuff we haven't thought about, but what will be very handy, nice, great or simply, after some time unthinkable of not to have.

I can't wait.

[SMacTech]

Originally posted by DBvader:
i just hope that panther makes my Dual 867 snappy

If it ain't snappy, it's broke somehow, your dualie, not Panther.
My god, my dual867 is faster than this POS Dell 2.6ghz I have here on my desk at work, next to my cube. Guess which one I use?

[cpac]

Originally posted by MasonMcD:
and looks like something you'd see on safari.

corroborating Loop Rumors' predictio we'd see all metal?

(hell it's officiall rumor week(tm) so might as well pile 'em on)

[BuonRotto]

I think the second "fly" is a play on words, slang. The menus that Dock is interpreted as tear-off and dockable menus sort of like Adobe's palette tabs and much like the old NeXTstep/OpenStep/Rhapsody/OS X Server 1.0 tear-off menus, or at least that's what the folks think at the Mac Achaia at Ars.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

I think I rather wait a few days to get the real scoop then get into this stuff.

[CharlesS]

Originally posted by Immortal K-Mart Employee:
"Dock with new menus that fly, fly new menus that dock"

What the hell is that?

[Dale Sorel]

Originally posted by DBvader:
i just hope that panther makes my Dual 867 snappy

I hear Panther will make every Mac snappy®

[Guy Incognito 2]

Originally posted by DBvader:
i dont care much about the price, since i am a member of ADC.

i just hope that panther makes my Dual 867 snappy

If your Dual 867 isn't snappy, there's a problem somewhere.

[gthyb]

yeah i can't wait...i'm looking forward to any interface changes the most, though. as well as any more speed i can get from my imac 800mhz.

Does anyone know what time exactly the keynote is (and in what timezone)?

[mishap]

Originally posted by Guy Incognito 2:
If your Dual 867 isn't snappy, there's a problem somewhere.

ok...someone else repeat this too.

[Immortal K-Mart Employee]

Originally posted by gthyb:
Does anyone know what time exactly the keynote is (and in what timezone)?

1pm on SF time

[Neo.cmg]

Originally posted by Immortal K-Mart Employee:
1pm on SF time

Try again...10a.m. Pacific Time.

[JB72]

Originally posted by Neo.cmg:
Well, unlike OS X v. 10.2, the aforementioned features of v. 10.3--if they are accurate--are hardly worth $129 upgrading for consumers.

Well it looks like you just saved yourself some cash then.

[Neo.cmg]

Originally posted by JB72:
Well it looks like you just saved yourself some cash then.

Hope so...

[natan]

If your Dual 867 isn't snappy, there's a problem somewhere.

I've used his Mac, and I think it's snappy - he's just impatient.

[DVD Plaza]

Originally posted by JLFanboy:
It does? Since when? Why wasn't I informed?

I don't think anyone is talking functionality wise (although it good do with some beefing up), but the fact that the Finder is the most poorly written OSX application that exists. If the Finder even thinks about doing something it bogs down every instance of the finder and the desktop, let alone if it is slowing down. If it has difficulties talking over a network kiss your system goodbye - it will completely freeze up your machine and/or cause a Kernel panic. It's dog slow (I do not believe the Finder is multi-threaded which explains a lot), does not dynamically recognise system changes (a major flaw), etc... heck I'm just touching the surface!

If you want to double click a few folders and files then the current Finder can handle that fine - for anything else we need a new one written from the ground up, and it sounds like Panther has finally delivered that.

[DVD Plaza]

Originally posted by Neo.cmg:
If the new finder truly does begin to look like safari sporting a brushed-metal user interface, then I think I'll be truly upset. It seems all my applications that were once somewhat colorfol, have taken on this drab brushed-metal interface which defintely plays down some of aqua's inherent strengths.

There should be a law against the brushed metal GUI - only Windows should be allowed to look that dull.

[retroneo]

Originally posted by DVD Plaza:
If it has difficulties talking over a network kiss your system goodbye - it will completely freeze up your machine and/or cause a Kernel panic. It's dog slow (I do not believe the Finder is multi-threaded which explains a lot)

The current Finder is multithreaded.

And the network "freezes" have absolutely nothing to do with the Finder. The problem is the ftp, smb and afp file system modules that mount the sharepoints in the filesystem. It's at a much lower level than an application.

[bewebste]

Originally posted by DVD Plaza:
I don't think anyone is talking functionality wise (although it good do with some beefing up), but the fact that the Finder is the most poorly written OSX application that exists.

I guess you've never used Help Viewer then...

[galarneau]

Originally posted by DVD Plaza:
There should be a law against the brushed metal GUI - only Windows should be allowed to look that dull.

I like the dull grey colors. I actually miss Platinum from OS 8. Whatever happens with 10.3, all I can say from a theme standpoint, is please, for the love of all that is good and holy, please remove the horizontal pinstripes. They bug me.

P.S. Hey, Chris... as an aside, from one Adelaide-ian to another... any word on when the 2nd season of '24' is coming out on DVD down here?

[neoTony]

Edit: Removed at request of someone who knows.

[moreno]

I hear Panther will make every Mac snappy®

Lol. time to die!

[CharlesS]

Originally posted by moreno:
time to die!

Why do you write this at the end of your messages? Are you contemplating suicide or something?

[ASIMO]

Originally posted by CharlesS:
Why do you write this at the end of your messages? Are you contemplating suicide or something?

You have to be portuguese to get it.

[sniffer]

If Apple really does a good job improving the speed they'll sell a hell lot of Panther copies and less hardware this year than the past years.

[Alex Duffield]

Originally posted by mishap:
ok...someone else repeat this too.

If your Dual 867 isn't snappy, there's a problem somewhere.

[galarneau]

Originally posted by Alex Duffield:
If your Dual 867 isn't snappy, there's a problem somewhere.

If my Pismo 400 becomes LESS snappy with 10.3, there WILL be a problem somewhere

[Alex Duffield]

Originally posted by retroneo:
The current Finder is multithreaded.

And the network "freezes" have absolutely nothing to do with the Finder. The problem is the ftp, smb and afp file system modules that mount the sharepoints in the filesystem. It's at a much lower level than an application.

Why then does this only affect the finder, and not other applications.

I use a iBook, and often forget to disconect from network volumes befor I close the lid to come home for the night.

When I get home, the finder is locked up (I dont shut down.. just put it to sleep) This is because it is trying to reconect to the server...

But, I can still click on other applications that are open and use them no problem.

It takes about 5 minutes befor the system finaly gives up and tells me the server was disconected... Only then does the finder become responsive.

[Alex Duffield]

Originally posted by galarneau:
If my Pismo 400 becomes LESS snappy with 10.3, there WILL be a problem somewhere

Ya we just traded in 5 400 Mhx G4s at the office for new G4 1 GHZ systems.

I would agree that these systems are not idealy sutable for OSX.

But I am actualy glad Apple is pushing the limits with OSX. They are building the OS of the future, not the past.

Microsft on the otherhand has to carry a burden of maintaining backwards compatability. somthing they are slowly trying to break with XP.

[clarkgoble]

While the current Finder is multithreaded it is *poorly* multithreaded. Right now when one window is busy you frequently can't do anything in other windows. Put an other way the GUI of the Finder is not multithreaded. Who cares if a copy operation is still going on in the background if a problem with a window halts your ability to do anything new with the Finder?

[teknologika]

Originally posted by retroneo:
The current Finder is multithreaded.

And the network "freezes" have absolutely nothing to do with the Finder. The problem is the ftp, smb and afp file system modules that mount the sharepoints in the filesystem. It's at a much lower level than an application.

This is all true but....
IMHO, the implementation of multi-threading in the 10.2 finder does need some work, to allow the user to continue working in other finder windows, whilst the slow network access is occurring / timing out at the filesystem level.

Also sorting by file name / creation date / or extension is also needed to bring the finder "on par" with windows. So hopefully if the "like smart playlists" feature is true, then this will be even better than windows explorer in this regard.