The software that brings the hugely popular online poker site PokerStars.net into the homes of over 15 million players worldwide will now have a Mac version that will run on the Apple operating platform. For over a year, the PokerStars IT development team has been working to develop a complete version of its poker software that is compatible with Mac OS X operating system, and it is finally here. A beta version with some minor limitations had been available since December, 2007, but with the full release, Stars has fulfilled what Mac users have been clamoring for since online poker began.
The new software allows Mac players to have access to all of the features that users playing on Windows-compatible computers have. But rather than trying to shoehorn a PC application into a Mac framework, PokerStars designed the software specifically for the latest Mac operating system while including compatibility with older Mac OS versions. PokerStars joins Full Tilt Poker as the only major online poker rooms to offer downloadable, Mac-compatible software for their sites.
"This is a great addition for both PokerStars and the poker playing audience," said Team PokerStars spokesman Joe Hachem, the 2005 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion. "This will allow Mac users to experience the world's largest online poker site without third-party applications. I know a lot of the actors and musicians I coach via PokerStars will appreciate its release – the creative community use Macs before any other computer."
"PokerStars understands what gamers want," said poker pro and avid online gamer Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier. "The community started asking for an acceptable online poker version for Mac, and PokerStars stepped up to deliver it." Grospellier, who placed second in the World Cyber Games in 2001 and earlier this year won the European Poker Tour PokerStars Caribbean Poker Adventure, applauded PokerStars' effort to enhance the gaming experience for Mac users. "They didn't rush into a launch, but developed the best software for the platform, in line with Mac user feedback and advice, to ensure users have a positive experience."
The software's release fittingly coincides with the start of the 2008 World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) on PokerStars. That two-week online poker event began on September 5 with a $215 buy-in six-handed no-limit hold'em tournament and culminates with the $5,200 buy-in, $10 million guaranteed Main Event in two weeks.
The fully live version of PokerStars' software for Mac is available for download at www.pokerstars.net/poker/download/mac/. In only five easy steps, Mac users can be ready to play.
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