Apple Allowing Non-Developers to Apply for OS X Beta Program

Alongside iOS 7.1.1, Apple has introduced a new OS X beta program that will see non-developers given an opportunity to download OS X betas before they are released to the public. Previously, participating in OS X betas required a developer account, priced at $99 per year.

Join the OS X Beta Seed Program and accept the Beta Seed and Confidentiality Agreement. Apple will provide a Beta Access Utility for your Mac, which gives you access to pre-release versions of OS X in the Mac App Store Updates panel.

Users can apply to join the beta program on Apple’s new Appleseed Beta website, which allows users to apply using an Apple ID.Apple requires everyone who signs up to sign a confidentiality agreement, which prevents users from disclosing, publishing, or disseminating confidential information to anyone not also enrolled in the Appleseed program.

After agreeing to keep beta information confidential, Apple asks users to make a backup on their Macs before downloading a special Beta Access Utility App which allows a Mac to be enrolled for beta software updates. All updates will be delivered via the Mac App Store, similar to standard OS X updates.

ElevationLab Debuts Aluminum Elevation Stand for iMac and Apple Displays [Mac Blog]

ElevationLab today launched a new Kickstarter project for the Elevation Stand, an aluminum stand designed for the iMac and Apple displays. Aimed at improving posture, the Elevation Stand is milled from a single piece of aluminum to match the seamless look of the iMac and Apple’s displays.

According to ElevationLab, the Elevation Stand has the smallest footprint of available iMac stands, along with a minimalistic design that hides extras like hard drives, USB hubs, cables, and more. It raises the monitor by 68mm, encouraging users to sit up straighter.

The company is also debuting the Elevation Anchor, made to keep headphones out of sight but within reach. Constructed from medical-grade silicone, it mounts under a desk to hide headphones.

ElevationLab previously produced the Elevation Dock, an aluminum iPhone dock that raised more than 1.4 million dollars.

The Elevation Stand can be preordered via a Kickstarter pledge of $59, while the Elevation Anchor can be preordered for $25. A $79 pledge gets backers a Stand and two Anchors, while additional colors are available at $85 and $99 price points. All products are expected to ship in September of 2014.