Apple to unleash Leopard OS on Oct 26

Apple announced on Tuesday that its new Leopard operating system will debut in stores on October 26, four months later than originally planned due to a shift of resources for the iPhone launch.

The Leopard operating system crafted for Apple's Macintosh computer boasts more than 300 new features and the "Ultimate" version is priced at US$129.

Leopard features touted by Apple reflect the company's hip style and focus on making tasks easier for computer users. A Time Machine feature automatically backs-up music files, pictures, applications, and "absolutely everything" a person puts on their Macintosh.

The operating system also enables users to remotely search for files on all computers connected to their network. It has simple tools for people to create "widget" applications that stream feeds from websites onto small windows on computer screens.

Leopard is designed with better text-reading, Braille support, and closed captioning for people with disabilities. The e-mail allows users to create virtual equivalents of fancy stationery decorated with personal photographs. Modifications to iChat now allow people linked via web cameras to share slide show presentations, playfully distort their pictures or insert fake backdrops.

Apple originally planned to launch Leopard at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco in June. But software engineers and quality assurance teams were shifted from working on Leopard to crafting and testing the iPhone, which went on sale in the United States at the end of June.