Apple OSX Lion now available to download

The latest version of Apple's desktop and laptop operating system, OS X Lion, is now available.

For the first time ever the operating system upgrade is only available through a download from the Apple App Store for £20.99.

Those that can't download the 4GB file can purchase the operating system on a USB memory key for £55. Apple also said it would be letting people download Lion at Apple Stores in the coming weeks.

Lion includes support for multi-touch gestures, similar to those used on the Apple iPad. Pinch to zoom, scrolling with two fingers and swiping between open applications are all now supported along with various other tablet-like gestures. Scrolling has also been inverted to what Apple is calling 'natural' scrolling; by default, applications in Lion don't have a visible scroll bar.

Another new feature is Versions, which automatically saves backups of documents as they are edited; different versions of a document can then be browsed through allowing users to revert to previous versions should they wish.

Documents are now automatically saved on a continuous basis, meaning users no longer need to save as they work. Applications such as Mail, iPhoto and Photo Booth and the Safari web-browser can now be viewed as 'full-screen apps', again taking a cue from the Apple iPad.

There are also new ways to navigate through open or downloaded applications with Mission Control and Launch Pad.

Lion requires an Intel-based Mac with a Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, i7 or Xeon processor and 2GB of RAM. It is available now from the Apple App Store, costing £20.99.