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Still using OS X Lion and enjoying the free splendors of the Messages beta on your Mac? Sorry, folks, that party is coming to an end soon, as Apple begins notifying users they’ll be cut off just before Christmas.
MacRumors is reporting that Apple has started to email OS X Lion users still using the company’s Messages beta to chat with friends or family on iOS and OS X Mountain Lion that the free ride is about to come to an end.
“The Messages Beta program for Lion will end on Friday, December 14, 2012. We hope you’ve enjoyed the opportunity to preview Messages,” the email reads.
“If you’d like to continue using Messages, upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store,” Apple’s note continues. Messages is one of many great new apps and features built right into OS X Mountain Lion. Thank you for your participation in the Messages Beta program.”
Although OS X Mountain Lion is only $19.99, it’s likely by this point that users who haven’t upgraded probably can’t, since they may be on older, incompatible hardware. There’s not much a Messages fan can do in that case except buy a new Mac, or just keep the party going until Apple cuts them off on December 14.
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