Apple
How to Get OS X 10.10.3 & Photos Right Now
Apple is letting users try the new Photos app and OS X 10.10.3 ahead of the official release. Here’s what you need to know to try the new OS X Photos app, iCloud Photo Library and to get you up and running before the OS X 10.10.3 release.
The new Photos app replaces iPhoto and Aperture with an experience that syncs to your iPhone, iPad and iCloud with an updated look and new tools to edit.
The official OS X Photos app release is coming in the near future, but if you are a member of the Apple Seed program you can grab the OS X 10.10.3 download and start using the new Photos app for Mac now.
Get the OS X 10.10.3 download to try the OS X Photos beta today.
Photos for OS X is a major upgrade from iPhoto and while it may not offer the same tools as Aperture it is an update that is coming soon to bring a more connected photos experience to your Mac, iPhone and iPad. With iCloud Photo Library all of your collections, events and years of photos are available everywhere and the edits sync so you always have the best looking version of your photos in your hand.
Read: How to Use iCloud
In order to use the new Photos app you need to upgrade your Mac, but the public OS X 10.10.3 release date is still not here. If you are a member of the Apple Seed program you can start the OS X 10.10.3 download now in the App Store and get started with Photos for OS X.
OS X 10.10.3 Download & Photos Beta
If you are already signed up for the OS X Yosemite Beta Program through Apple Seed, you can sign in to your Mac App Store and find the OS X 10.10.3 download waiting in the updates section.
Sign up for the free OS X beta program to download Photos for Mac today.
For users who did not sign up for the public beta, you can still sign up through Apple to play a role in this testing. You shouldn’t do this on a work machine or on one that you need to work 100% of the time with no bugs or issues. If you download OS X 10.10.3 to get the new Photos for OS X app it will install beta software on your computer.
After you sign up, or if you are already signed up, open the Mac App Store and click on Updates. If you are accepted and in the OS C Yosemite public beta you can download and install this update that puts Photos on your Mac.
iCloud Photo Library is a big part of Photos, as it keeps your photos synced between all devices.
After the installation completes open Photos and follow the directions to upgrade your iPhoto Library to work with Photos. Once you do this you cannot open the iPhoto Library in Aperture. If you use Aperture you will need to create a new library or switch over to Photos on your Mac.
The new Photos app in OS X 10.10.3 delivers better editing tools than iPhoto, but it may not deliver enough functionality to draw users away from Aperture. There are fast options to add filters, correct photos and your edits sync to the other devices linked to the same iCloud account.
If you have a large photo library and you want to use iCloud Photo Library you will need to upgrade to a more expensive monthly plan that includes room for all the photos.
