The latest macOS update is now easily accessible and brings a number of subtle improvements to the operating system that may go unnoticed unless you’re actively looking for them.
Apple is sticking to its tried and true formula of offering seemingly minor updates to an already stable operating system, which may not surprise many. However, despite the appearance of small-scale changes, macOS Sonoma actually has a lot to offer, and when all of these elements come together, they contribute to what I consider one of the most refined versions of macOS to date.
Finally, usable widgets
macOS Sonoma finally addresses the long-standing widget problem that has been a concern for Apple and Microsoft computer users in recent years. Gone are the days when you had to open Notification Center to access vital information like weather updates and battery status for your connected Apple devices. Now you can conveniently view all this data right on your desktop, thanks to some well-designed widgets.
These widgets look a lot like the ones found in iOS 17. To get started, simply right-click (or double-click) on your desktop, select “Add Widgets,” and choose the ones you need. It’s worth noting that the first widget you add will determine the layout of the rest of your widgets, which might be the only drawback here. Also, the quality of widgets may vary depending on the app you are using, so keep that in mind.
In essence, these widgets make it very easy to stay up to date with important information right on your Mac desktop. What’s even better is the option to tap the desktop to clear all windows, providing an easy way to check the things before going back to work. While it’s easy to clutter the smaller screen of a 13-inch MacBook Air, the 15-inch MacBook Air appears to offer ample space to set up multiple widgets without obstructing your workflow.
Web Apps, Password Sharing, and Safari Benefits
Apple has not only updated the desktop, but has also revamped the way it handles passwords, passcodes, and website functionality on Mac.
While Apple started supporting passkeys in software updates last year, the latest updates give them more importance. Passcodes offer a simpler, more secure way to sign in, and now you can easily share them with other users on both macOS Sonoma and iOS 17.
Safari has also introduced the ability to configure different profiles, a feature that has long been available in other browsers such as Chrome and Edge. These profiles allow you to separate your various browsing activities, keeping work-related browsing separate from personal browsing. It’s a great way to achieve a better work-life balance on your Mac, a feature I use quite frequently. When I want to take a break from work, I simply switch to my personal profile and vice versa.
macOS Sonoma has also improved private browsing. Now, when you’re not actively using private browsing windows, they lock automatically and require a password or Touch ID to unlock. Additionally, Safari now blocks internet trackers from loading and removes tracking elements that can identify you in URLs.
One of the biggest updates to web browsing in Sonoma is the introduction of web applications. This feature allows you to transform any website into a full-fledged app with its own Dock icon. Web apps offer faster access to your most frequently visited websites and help keep your toolbar clutter-free, making navigation more convenient without the need for a multitude of bookmarks.
Video conferencing, messages and games
Certainly, your MacBook serves a variety of purposes beyond email and web browsing, especially in the realm of video conferencing, which remains an integral part of our daily routines. macOS Sonoma introduces several new video conferencing features, including Presenter Overlay. This feature, available on Macs with Apple Silicon, lets you stay featured during FaceTime and third-party conferencing apps.
Speaking of FaceTime, there’s a fun addition: the ability to use hand gestures to activate 3D effects like balloons, confetti, hearts, and other icons around your video. This feature is also available on Macs with Apple Silicon and can be used in conjunction with the iPhone’s Continuity Camera for added fun.
For Messages, Apple has improved search functionality, making it easier to find specific people, keywords, and types of content within your messages. You can now swipe to reply to any iMessage bubble, just like in iOS 17. Live Stickers also sync seamlessly between iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, ensuring you have access to your full Live Stickers library no matter what device you’re on chatting. .
Finally, there’s a new Game Mode for Apple Silicon Macs, which prioritizes gaming by allocating the most GPU and CPU resources. This is designed to deliver more consistent frame rates and reduce frequency fluctuations. In my tests with a game like Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the biggest titles of the year, I noticed a significant improvement in fluidity, although the M2 chip in the 15-inch MacBook Air also plays a crucial role. However, it’s worth noting that while Mac gaming has come a long way, it still doesn’t match the support and performance of dedicated gaming PCs or consoles, which many gamers may prefer.
Many other minor improvements
macOS Sonoma builds on the foundation laid by Apple’s previous versions of macOS, Ventura and Big Sur. While the additions in Sonoma may not be groundbreaking, they don’t have to be.
It’s a solid update that, while not as revolutionary as Big Sur was at the time, introduces a number of small improvements that contribute to the overall polished and smooth macOS experience. Among these improvements are new moving wallpapers and screensavers, featuring stunning landscapes from around the world, creating a visually engaging welcome when you turn on your Mac and log in. Additionally, the login screen has been updated to provide a larger view of your selected wallpaper while displaying icons and usernames at the bottom of the screen. All in all, macOS Sonoma looks like a worthy addition to the Mac ecosystem.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn