Mavericks introduced us to compressed memory, but in Yosemite Apple actually shows us how it's working. A new tab in Activity Monitor will show you exactly how much compressed memory is being utilized so you can kill any apps that are dragging your system down. Also useful is the new column within the Energy tab [...]

The new QuickType keyboard is awesome on our iPhones and iPads, but you might be surprised to know that Apple has built one into Yosemite, too. It’s not quite as intuitive, but it’s just as smart; while you’re typing in Text Editor, press the escape key after a word to get a list of predictive [...]

Apple has given iTunes yet another makeover in Yosemite, but for the most part, things have pretty much stayed in the right place. However, if you’re looking for the button that transforms the giant iTunes window into a manageable mini player, you won’t find it in its old spot; instead Apple has incorporated it into [...]

Apple has wiped out all traces of skeuomorphism from OS X, but there’s one we’re going to miss. When you drag an icon out of the dock in Yosemite, you won’t see the classic puff of cartoon smoke anymore; instead, the word “remove” will appear to let you know what’s about to happen. (MacLife)

Our iCloud passwords are the keys to just about everything in our digital lives, and now there's one more thing they can unlock. In Yosemite, you can choose to use your iCloud password as your desktop login. You can turn it on in your user preferences, but if you’re using a new Mac it’s turned [...]

If you like seeing large preview images of your app and document icons under Mavericks, you had to spend most of your time in column view. In Yosemite, you can see them anywhere. Head over to the View menu and select “Show Preview.” (MacLife)

If you have a cluster of files to rename in OS X, it used to require one of three things: tedious individual naming, a third-party app, or some Automator wizardry. Not in Yosemite. Just highlight your files, right-click and select the “rename items” options in the contextual menu. Then select "format" in the dropdown to [...]

You won't find a shortcut to Software Update in the Apple menu anymore, but Apple hasn't removed the ability to quickly check for updates. If anything, it's gotten easier — next to the App Store menu item in Yosemite, you'll see a tally of your available updates. Just click and you’ll be transported to the [...]

Speaking of accessibility, Apple has added a cool new feature to make OS X even better for the blind. Turn on the new video descriptions feature and Yosemite’s voiceover will add a spoken voice to the video content on the screen, providing an even richer experience for the visually impaired. (MacLife)

Like iOS 7, Yosemite flattens and brightens OS X as part of its new interface, lightening the shadows and using transparency to generate depth and dimension. But if you're not running apps full-screen it can get distracting, so if you want to turn it off, you need only make a visit to the Accessibility settings. [...]