OS X 10.6.6 searches Mac App Store to open unknown file types

Apple has introduced a helpful feature in OS X 10.6.6 for users who run across unknown file types and aren't sure which app will be able to open them. The unknown file type dialogue box has a new "Search App Store" option that will scan Apple's new Mac App Store for an app that can handle the mystery file.

Sometimes, though, the search option can be overkill. The fact that you haven't assigned an app to open a certain file type doesn't mean none of your currently-installed apps will do the job. Also, only some of the applications you downloaded from outside of the App Store will show up as "installed" in the App Store app. That means the search could easily miss a solution you already have in your Applications folder.

All in all, though, the ability to do a simple search for unknown file types doesn't hurt anything. Before the App Store, doing something similar could take considerable Googling skills, so this feature could be a boon to novice users.

OS X 10.6.6 searches Mac App Store to open unknown file types originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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