macOS Ventura: What can we look forward to in autumn?
Do I forget anything, the Stage Manager window sorting mechanism, the ability to use the iPhone as a webcam, Spotlight, Mail and Safari updates?
I guess you’ve already heard that Apple has announced macOS 13 Ventura. It happened during the Worldwide Developers Conference 2022.
I’m already wondering:
- Will macOS Ventura spur me to return to Mail after Superhuman? Has the team improved Apple Mail’s functionality enough that I don’t have to rely on third-party apps?
- Is the new Stage Manager tool cool if I’m used to multitasking and not getting lost between open windows?
- How can I use the iPhone camera as a webcam in parallel? Could it take video conferencing with clients and colleagues to the next level?
Let’s take a look.
New macOS Ventura features
macOS Ventura is an important update, as it introduces new multitasking features, improves some apps, and adds updated features across the platform.
Let’s go through the major ones.
New Stage Manager tool
It automatically arranges open programs and windows so you can focus on your work, not be distracted by transitions between them, and cover everything in one glance. The working window is shown in the centre of the screen with the other windows on the left. I like the voiced option of grouping windows by task or project. This should be handy and can improve work efficiency.
Stage Manager is known to integrate with both Mission Control and Spaces.
Updated Spotlight
Do you often take a long time looking for the images you want in the photo gallery? It will now be possible to search by location, people, scenes and objects. Spotlight can even find Live Text in images and supports actions such as creating a document, launching a shortcut, or starting a timer. In addition, Live Text works with video content and images in macOS Ventura.
The spotlight in macOS Ventura also offers advanced search results for artists, movies, actors, TV shows, companies and sports.
Of particular note is the new Visual Look Up feature. This allows you to separate the object in a picture and move it into another application. By the way, Visual Look Up can recognize animals, birds, insects, statues and other landmarks.
Updated Apple Mail
Here’s what I’ll be testing right after Stage Manager!
The app has improved the search to be more accurate and relevant. When you start typing into the search box, you’ll immediately see relevant emails, contacts, photos, documents and other information as requested.
For emails, you can schedule a mailing, and if necessary, you can cancel the email within 10 seconds if you spot a mistake or add the wrong recipient. Mail will also detect if you’ve forgotten to add attachments or specify the recipient’s copy of the message based on context.
You can also set reminders to return to a message at a specific date and time and get an automatic offer to reply to an email if you’ve previously left it unattended.
A new feature in Safari
The feature is called Tab Groups. It allows you to share tabs with friends in real-time.
I’d be interested in sharing bookmark lists and starting conversations or making calls right from the browser.
Safari has also added biometric “Access Keys” (Passkeys) instead of traditional passwords. The passkeys are easy to use and authenticate when you sign in using Touch or Face ID.
Messages
As on iOS16, the app allows you to edit and recall messages you’ve sent, recover deleted messages, and mark messages as unread.
You can also share files in group chats and join SharePlay sessions.
Continuity Camera
Now you can use the iPhone camera as a webcam. Your computer will automatically recognize and use the iPhone camera if your smartphone is nearby — you don’t need manual settings.
The iPhone can also serve as a Mac microphone in addition to acting as a camera.
The Continuity Camera also supports Center Stage, Portrait Mode and the new Studio Light.
- Portrait Mode is available on any Mac with an iPhone connected. It blurs the background behind you.
- Center Stage uses the iPhone’s ultra-wide-angle camera to adjust the frame to keep you centred (in focus) if you move around during a conversation. This mode is also helpful if multiple people are in the discussion because everyone stays in the frame.
- Studio Light. The function of the model is limited to highlighting your face and darkening the background.
- Desk View uses the iPhone’s ultra-wide-angle camera to show what’s on your desk during a video call. It’s designed to mimic the overhead camera, so you can simultaneously share content on your desk while still in person.
Shared iCloud photo libraries
Similar to what’s new in iOS16, macOS Ventura users have access to iCloud photo-sharing libraries.
As of today, up to 6 users can share a photo library, separate from their libraries, of course. This is useful for viewing family or team photos. Each user of a shared photo library can add, edit, delete or add to favourite shared pictures and videos.
Metal 3 Toolbox
Metal 3 toolkit is announced for game developers, which is designed to open the possibilities of the game process on Apple’s platform and the potential of the company’s chips.
MetalFX Upscaling toolkit allows developers to render complex scenes using less resource-intensive frames quickly and then apply resolution scaling and temporal anti-aliasing.
In addition, game developers can take advantage of the new Rapid Resource Loading API. It makes it easier for games to access high-quality textures and geometry for immersive gameplay.
When can I test all these features?
Currently, macOS Ventura is available for registered developers to test, and a public beta is expected in July. That’s when you can get a closer look at it. I’m planning to, are you?
We also know that macOS Ventura will undergo a few months of beta testing before going on sale in the fall.
