"MacRumors" (http://www.macrumors.com) says Apple has already started work on Mac OS X 10.8. While I'm sure that's true, I suspect we'll see some major updates to Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") before 10.8 arrives.

Apple's major OS X releases are normally released every other year: 10.3 in 2003, 10.4 in 2005, 10.5 in 2007, 10.6 in 2009, and 10.7 in 2011. Based on this pattern, as "MacRumors" notes, we expect Apple to preview Mac OS X 10.8 sometime in 2012, with the final public release happening in 2013.

"9to5Mac" (http:/www.9to5Mac.com) says an upcoming version of Mac OS X may feature AirPlay Mirroring and iMessage application. AirPlay Mirroring for the Mac will allow a user to wirelessly mirror exactly what is shown on their Mac’s display to an Apple TV connected to a projector, television, or external monitor. AirPlay video streaming is also being integrated into QuickTime X, says "9to5Mac."

iMessage may be integrated into the OS X iChat application based on code findings. However, "9to5Mac" says sources are saying that a decision on whether or not iMessage will be released as a standalone product or as an integrated featured into iChat has not been finalized.

We certainly need both AirPlay Mirroring and iMessage for Mac OS X X, as well as iOS. And while Apple is at it, let's also make our Newsstand and iBookstore purchases available for reading on the Mac.

And as I've mentioned before at least three other features I want to see in Mac OS X ASAP are:

° The ability to rename, delete and trash folders from the Open and Save dialog boxes. Apple should pay big bucks for Default Folder and just roll this into the operating system.

°  The return of color to toolbar icons, sidebar icons, windows and scrollbars.

° iBookStore support. If I buy an iBook, I want to be able to read it on my Mac as well as an iOS device if I so choose.

° A configurable Launchpad.

-- Dennis Sellers