Apple issues first Mountain Lion maintenance update

Apple today released the first maintenance update for its new OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion operating system. Weighing in at just 24.2MB, OS X 10.8.1 is somewhat of a minor update that includes general operating system fixes to improve stability and compatibility. Apple’s release notes lists fixes to Migration Assistant, an issue playing audio through a Thunderbolt display, improved compatibility when connecting to a Microsoft Exchange server in Mail, and the resolution of a bug that could prevent iMessages from being sent.

Apple didn’t list any battery life improvements -- a complaint some MacBook users have had since Lion -- but the battery percentage now shows up in the menu bar again.

The update is available directly from Apple's site or via the Software Update mechanism that directs users to the Mac App Store for updates and requires a system restart.

Apple-centric blog 9to5Mac reports that the Cupertino firm is already testing OS X 10.8.2, with fixes and improvements reportedly focused on Messages, Facebook, Game Center, Safari, and Reminders.

OS X 10.8.1 update release notes:

This update includes general operating system fixes that improve the stability and compatibility of your Mac, including fixes that:

• Resolve an issue that may cause Migration Assistant to unexpectedly quit
• Improve compatibility when connecting to a Microsoft Exchange server in Mail
• Address an issue playing audio through a Thunderbolt display
• Resolve an issue that could prevent iMessages from being sent
• Address an issue that could cause the system to become unresponsive when using Pinyin input
• Resolve an issue when connecting to SMB servers with long names
• Address a issue that may prevent Safari from launching when using a Proxy Automatic Configuration file
• Improve 802.1X authentication with Active Directory credentials