Apple Photo App Beta

[StuartOnline]

Now anyone can download the Apple Photo App:
https://appleseed.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/

As stated on their Website use caution when downloading.
It is suggested you use a secondary Mac if you have one.

[ButchM]

Keep in mind ... not only do you get the Photos app for OS X ... the install is the entire OS X 10.10.3 public beta ... so plan accordingly.

[Craig Lamson]

I've not installed it on my workstation but the beta is working fine on my Mac Mini ( using it now).  Photos is interesting, a bit different than iPhotos, but it should be a hit for those who like it simple. 

[dseelig]

Can you use photos without using iCloud? Thanks

[Craig Lamson]

Can you use photos without using iCloud? Thanks

Yes

[trichardlin]

Keep in mind ... not only do you get the Photos app for OS X ... the install is the entire OS X 10.10.3 public beta ... so plan accordingly.

Indeed.  I install the whole thing, but my computer thinks it is still 10.10.2 and Photos refused to run.  Not to be deterred, I messed with the system version plist which caused my computer un-bootable.  I eventually got it back and fixed the plist.  Bottomline, don't do it if you are not prepared.

That said, here are the good news:

• Photos preserved all the adjustments I had in Aperture.  Not sure about local adjustments.
• There is healing brush.
• You can copy and paste adjustments.
• You can have multiple libraries, and designate one as System Library which syncs with iCloud (optional).

 

Now the not so good news:

• There doesn't seem to be a photo ranking system.
• It's a bit modal. For example, you can't copy and paste adjustments unless editing tools are shown.
• No local adjustments.

Since the Help file is not functioning, that's all I have to report after a few minutes of use.

Cheers,
Richard