macOS Monterey is the latest operating system for Mac computers, announced by Apple at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2021. The update comes with a wide range of new features and enhancements designed to improve the user experience and provide more convenience and productivity to Mac users.
One of the biggest additions to macOS Monterey is Universal Control. This feature allows users to use a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple Apple devices, including Mac, iPad, and even iPhone. For instance, a user can simply move the cursor from their Mac screen to their iPad and start typing, without having to switch input devices manually.
Another new feature is Focus, which is a tool for managing notifications and filtering out distractions. Users can set up different Focus modes depending on their activities, such as work, personal time, or sleep. This way, they can silence notifications from irrelevant apps and contacts, while still allowing important ones to come through.
macOS Monterey also includes several new features for the Safari web browser. For example, Tab Groups allow users to organize their tabs by topic, project, or any other category they prefer. This can be useful for keeping multiple web pages open at once without cluttering the browser window.
In addition, Safari now has a redesigned address bar with a new Tab bar that shows a preview of all open tabs. This makes it easier to navigate and switch between tabs quickly, without having to hunt through multiple windows.
Another major update in macOS Monterey is the new Live Text feature, which allows users to select and copy text from images, whether they are photos or screenshots. This can be a game-changer for users who need to extract information from visuals quickly and accurately, such as phone numbers or addresses.
macOS Monterey also includes enhancements to the FaceTime app, which now supports spatial audio, portrait mode, and voice isolation. Users can also share their screen during a FaceTime call, making it easier to collaborate on projects or troubleshoot issues remotely.
For developers, macOS Monterey offers new tools and features to help them create and test apps more easily. Xcode Cloud allows developers to build, test, and distribute their apps all in one place, without the need for multiple tools or services. The new Swift Playgrounds app also lets users code and test their apps on iPad or Mac, using a range of interactive and engaging tools.
Overall, macOS Monterey is a major update for Mac users, offering a range of new features and enhancements that make the operating system more powerful, versatile, and user-friendly. From Universal Control to Live Text to enhanced web browsing, there is something for everyone in this new release.