Apple introduces new version of computer operating system

Apple on Monday introduced OS X Mountain Lion, the ninth generation of the operating system for its Macintosh computers with more than 200 new features.

Apple executives highlighted some of the new features at the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

In the new platform, Apple replaces iChat with the new Messages app, which is similar to iMessage in Apple's mobile platform. It enables users to send messages to anyone with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or another Mac computer.

A new Sharing feature is also brought to the platform, making it easier to share links, photos, videos and other files through third-party services like Facebook and Twitter.

Dictation is also built into the new Mountain Lion, allowing users to dictate text. A new feature called Power Nap can make certain model of Apple's MacBook Pro notebooks and some MacBook Air notebooks automatically update contents like mails and contacts.

Meanwhile, the new OS X Mountain Lion also adds new features for Chinese consumers. Apple said it is improving its Chinese input method for Pin Yin and providing a new Chinese dictionary.

In its web browser Safari, Apple adds support for Baidu, China' s largest search engine, and built-in sharing to China's micro- blogging service Sina Weibo, as well as video websites Yoku and Tudou. It also enables users to set up their Macs with China's top email services.

The new platform will be available in July from the Mac App Store for 19.99 U.S. dollars. For those who purchase the latest Apple notebook lineup just unveiled on Monday, they will get the system upgrade for free.