Ventura, the next version of Apple’s Mac operating system, will make it easy for you to track all your different applications and windows. New to macOS 13 is Stage Manager, a feature that will group windows next to your desktop, organizing them by application. Whenever you switch between programs, Ventura will move the application and the accompanying windows to the center of the screen. Think of a Stage Manager as a dock for your currently open applications.
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Ventura will also be sent with enhancements to Spotlight, Apple’s system-wide feature for finding files. With macOS 13, the tool allows you to find images from your photo library, as well as search for text within photos with the help of Apple’s Live Text API. In addition, Spotlight will soon allow you to start 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 software review in years. Like Messages in iOS 16, Mail will include an undo sending feature, which will allow you to “remove” an email if you notice a spelling or other error shortly after sending it. Apple is also adding the option to schedule emails. In addition, the company says it has revised the software search tool to improve it when it comes to delivering accurate results.
As for Safari, it includes a new shared tab group feature, which lets you see in real time which tabs your friends are viewing. You can also use the feature to create a list of shared bookmarks and start a message conversation or a FaceTime call directly from Safari. As part of a larger 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 sign-in to your Apple devices.
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For those with access to both an iPhone and a Mac, Ventura includes new continuity tools. A feature called Continuity Camera lets you use your iPhone’s front-facing camera with video calling applications on your Mac. Your computer will automatically recognize that you have an iPhone nearby and will connect wirelessly to it. As long as the two are connected to each other, you’ll still have access to your iPhone’s portrait mode and Studio Light functionality. Plus, with Desk View, you’ll be able to use your phone to play a video on your desktop. Apple suggests that this feature will be useful for people who want to collaborate on projects with FaceTime and other applications. Speaking of FaceTime, Ventura will also extend Apple’s Handoff feature to video calling software, allowing you to start a FaceTime chat on your Mac and then transfer it to an iPhone or iPad, and vice versa.
As rumored, Apple has revised the System Preferences menu to make it look and work more like the iPhone and iPad Settings app. Finally, Ventura will introduce new accessibility features, including live subtitle support for all audio content. Apple will release a public beta of macOS Ventura next month, with official availability to follow this fall as part of a free update for users with compatible Mac models.
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