Updates for Safari, Shortcuts app, Focus mode, other features unveiled
Apple made the first beta of macOS Monterey available for public testers, allowing them to try out many new features and improvements, some of them specific to the M1 Macs. The new version of the desktop operating system was introduced at the developer conference in June, while the official launch will be sometime later this year. Here are the most important new features:
Shortcuts: this app should take the productivity to a higher level. According to Cupertino, Shortcuts for macOS is the future of automation, while Automator workflows could be imported into the new app. Automator will still be supported in Monterey OS.
AirPlay: you can play content from iPhone on the Mac
Safari: new design for tab bar and Tab Groups that sync across devices
Notifications: larger icons for apps, larger photos for people
Photos: redesigned Memories; new memory types
Live Text: recognize typed and handwritten text in photos, copy and paste the text into another app
Focus: block unwanted content and notifications thanks to built-in modes like Work, Sleep and Driving
Privacy: enhanced mail protection; recording indicator when apps use the microphone; create random email addresses to receive emails in your main inbox; password improvements
M1-exclusive features: blurred background during video FaceTime calls; New city maps for mayor cities like New York, LA and San Francisco; Siri in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finish; Object capture thanks to AR; Live text in photos (interact with text)