MacOS – Is the current version of Messages beta stable enough to use day to day

macosmessages

Is messages version 6.1 (11D1069) stable for someone that doesn't mind iChat and FaceTime currently?

I am happy with iChat and FaceTime on my mac and don't really need the iMessage integration presently. I back up with Time Machine regularly and know the general risks that beta software can have glitches or worse, lose data. I've researched all the features, so I'm not looking for why or why not the program is better – just the stability aspect of it in use.

Does anyone have specific recommendation for someone who prefers to run more stable software on their macs? I'm normally glad to help test beta software, but in this case the general buzz I'm hearing from the people that the program is still a little rough and new features are not compelling enough to run full time given the current bugs.

Would you share some specifics about why or why not the program is stable enough for use based on your actual experience with the App.

messages version beta for OS X

Best Answer

I am running Messages via Mountain Lion, but I believe that the application is functionaly identical to the Beta for Lion.

I have the following regular issues with it in day to day usage:

  • Badge counts are inconsistent, and it often says "1" regardless of reality
  • Icon Bounce - it bounces in the dock a lot as if something has happened, when nothing (that I can see) has
  • Slow syncing - when I have used iMessages on my phone, and then move to the desktop, it drip feeds the messages it needs to see to catch up really slowly, and you get a notification every 10 seconds or so for what can be a very long time if there is a lot to catch up on

Also, at least once (though this could have been a ML bug) it started using the wrong icon, showing a picture of a friend in place of my own avatar against my own messages. Investigation showed the "me" card had been ammended in Contacts...

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