Ventura, Apple’s next version of the Mac operating system, will make it easier for you to keep track of all your different apps and windows. New to macOS 13 is Stage Manager, a feature that will group windows on the side of the desktop, organizing them by application. Each time you switch between programs, Ventura will move the application and the accompanying windows to the center of your screen. Think of Stage Manager as a docking station for your currently open applications.
Apple
Ventura will also deliver enhancements to Spotlight, Apple’s entire file-finding system. With macOS 13, the tool will allow you to find images from your photo library, as well as search for text in photos using Apple’s Live Text API. In addition, Spotlight will soon allow you to run timers.
As expected, Apple is updating many of the default operating system applications, including Safari and Mail. Of the latter, the company claims that Ventura will include the largest overhaul of software in years. Like Messages in iOS 16, Mail will include a cancel cancel feature that allows you to “return” an email if you notice a typo or other error shortly after sending it. Apple also adds an email scheduling option. The company also says it has reviewed the software search tool to make it better at providing accurate results.
As for Safari, it includes a new feature for shared partition groups, which allows you to see in real time what partitions your friends are watching. You can also use the feature to create a list of shared bookmarks and start a conversation in Messages or FaceTime directly from Safari. As part of a broader industry initiative to remove passwords, Apple is also introducing a feature called Passkeys. The company describes them as unique digital keys that will always remain on your device, making it difficult – if not impossible – for bad actors to trick you into sharing your login credentials. The feature uses Face ID and Touch ID to authenticate your identity and iCloud Keychain to sync your login details to your Apple devices.
Apple
For those who have access to both iPhone and Mac, Ventura includes new tools for continuity. A feature called Continuity Camera allows you to use the front camera of your iPhone with video calling apps on your Mac. Your computer will automatically detect that you have an iPhone nearby and connect to it wirelessly. While the two are connected, you’ll still have access to your iPhone’s portrait mode and Studio Light functionality. What’s more, with Desk View, you’ll be able to use your phone to stream video from the top of your desk. Apple suggests that this feature will be useful for people who want to collaborate on projects through FaceTime and other applications. Speaking of FaceTime, Ventura will also extend Apple’s Handoff feature to video chat software, allowing you to start FaceTime chat on your Mac and then transfer it to iPhone or iPad and vice versa.
As mentioned, Apple has fundamentally changed the “System Preferences” menu to look and function more like the Settings app on iPhone and iPad. Finally, Ventura will introduce new accessibility features, including support for live captions for all audio content. Apple will release a public beta version of macOS Ventura next month, with official availability following this fall as part of a free update for users with compatible Mac models.
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