The wait is finally over and Apple fans can finally get their paws on the much-awaited OS X 10.8. Mountain Lion aka OS X 10.8 is officially here and "roaring" to go. On Wednesday, July 25, the Cupertino-based firm released its upgraded operating system - Mountain Lion, which is the eighth major update to its OS X software for laptops and desktops. The launch follows on the heels of last year's "Lion" release, which was not well received by Mac users.

Mac users who have the minimum machine requirements on board can download Mountain Lion via the Mac App Store and add to their existing kitty collection of Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Lion. Priced at $19.99 with more than 200 new features on offer, the latest Apple offering is a steal!

The new Mac OS is Apple's attempt at converging mobile and desktop operating systems. Now, courtesy Mountain Lion, documents, calendars, messages, notes, reminders, Safari tabs et al will sync across Apple devices seamlessly. Good news for iFans as this means that the iPad, iPhone, and Mac will work smoothly in tandem with each other. What's more, with the iOS 6 gearing up for a fall release things are on an upswing for Apple and can only get better from here.

The Mountain Lion's 200+ features have gone for the kill and will make you feel like a kid let loose in a candy shop, spoilt for choice and tizzy with happiness. Here are the top features that are making us whoop in glee - a few of our favourite things.

Notification Center

The spanking new Notification Center is an organizers haven and the built-in system will keep your app notifications and new messages sorted. The bubbles on the top right of the screen signal new notifications and swiftly slide away into the Notification Center hub. Additionally, the "Notifications" section in System Preferences gives you the leeway to configure and customize how the notification appears, depending on the app.

Documents in the Cloud and iCloud Tabs

Thanks to the Document in the Cloud, now storing and syncing in Mountain Lion is a breeze. Several apps like iWork, Keynote, TextEdit, Pages, Preview etc have built-in iCloud. The built-in iCloud support means that now you can view, create, or edit documents (created by the apps in the cloud) from any OS X or iOS device.

iCloud Tabs will enable you to begin a browsing session on one device and continue it on another. What's more, tabs that are opened on one device will appear on the other!

Power Nap

This feature lives up to its name and keeps your Mac running even when it's getting some shut eye. Most of us keep our laptops on snooze and this feature comes as a godsend. When on Power Nap, E-mails, notifications, software updates etc. are collected silently and are available when you wake your Mac from its slumber. However, for Power Nap to work your Mac needs to be connected to a power source. What's more, Power Nap won't even drain your battery as it automatically shuts off if power level dips below 30 percent!

Messages

Conversations can now be synced across iMessage, which replaces the iChat message app. You can now start chatting on your MacBook, continue on your iPhone, and conclude the chit-chat on your iPad. Does it get better than that? Yes it does, as much-loved iMessage on iOS features like typing indicators, delivery/read receipts etc. are also available on the desktop.

Notes and Reminders

Mountain Lion also includes the Notes app from iOS and thanks to iCloud magic all your notes will now be quickly synced across all devices.

With the Reminders app you will now be able to manage and create tasks. The same can be automatically updated to other iOS compliant Apple devices.

Dictation and AirPlay Mirroring

Remember school days when spelling bee challenges were a nightmare for some of us. If only the Dictation app was available then to provide an escape route! Mountain Lion is replete with the Siri-like Dictation app. All you need to do is press a keyboard shortcut, a little purple mic will pop up wherever the scope to enter text exists. Just spout the words and voila - Dictation!

AirPlay Mirroring is undoubtedly Mountain Lion's niftiest and most underrated feature, which allows you to stream your Mac's entire screen in HD to your Apple TV! Mac becomes a thriving HDTV media hub thanks to the iTunes integration, audio support, and resolution matching.

Mountain Lion packs a hefty punch and also has Twitter Integration in place. Facebook is expected to follow suit with a fall integration on the cards. Also, the natty new dock connector adds to the appeal.

If you are yet to download Mountain Lion, dive right in unless you want to wait for others to test the waters first!