MacOS Sequoia Settings That Make A Difference

Summary

The video introduces new features in macOS, highlighting improvements in window management, replacing third-party apps like Rectangle and Magnet. It also discusses updates to FaceTime with screen sharing, presenter mode, and live captions. Apple’s new password manager, previously Keychain, is now a standalone app, though it lacks cross-platform support. Enhanced AI tools, including email summaries and text editing, are integrated system-wide. Other updates include improvements to the Notes app, iPhone mirroring on Mac, and Safari's ad-blocking reader feature, which may impact smaller websites' revenue.

Takeaways

• 🪟 MacOS now offers native window management tools, making third-party apps like Rectangle and Magnet less necessary.
• ⌨️ Users can customize keyboard shortcuts for window tiling and other window management functions directly in settings.
• 🎥 FaceTime has added features like screen sharing, presenter mode, and remote control, potentially rivaling Zoom for casual use cases.
• 🔐 Apple has introduced a dedicated password manager app, though it lacks flexibility compared to third-party options like 1Password.
• 📧 Mail now offers AI-powered summaries of emails, providing a quick overview of their content.
• ✍️ Apple Intelligence offers AI writing tools systemwide, making it easier to proofread and adjust text across different apps.
• 📱 iPhone mirroring on Mac allows full interaction with iPhone apps, drag-and-drop file sharing, and even iPhone notifications on Mac.
• 💬 Safari now offers instant page summarization and an enhanced Reader mode that blocks ads, though this might impact small websites’ ad revenue.
• 📓 Notes app improvements include collapsible headers, color highlighting, and audio transcription, catching up to other note-taking apps.
• 📅 Messages now have a 'send later' feature, allowing users to schedule texts up to two weeks in advance.

Q & A

What feature in macOS replaces third-party window management apps like Rectangle and Magnet?

The new macOS window management system allows users to snap windows to the sides of the screen or use keyboard shortcuts without installing third-party apps. It also includes options to tile windows and customize keyboard shortcuts for window management.

How can users customize keyboard shortcuts for window management on macOS?

Users can customize keyboard shortcuts by going to 'Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts' and assigning their desired shortcuts for window tiling functions, like 'Left' or 'Right.'

What improvements to FaceTime could potentially replace Zoom for certain users?

FaceTime now allows screen sharing with a preview, remote control of another user's Mac, and new Presenter Mode, which merges the camera feed with the shared screen. Additionally, it has live captions and background removal options.

What is the new Apple Password app, and how does it compare to third-party password managers?

The Apple Password app is a native password manager replacing Keychain. While it lacks some advanced features like storing multiple types of sensitive data or flexibility offered by third-party options like 1Password, it is free for Apple users and works seamlessly across devices.

What limitations exist for using the Apple Password app outside the Apple ecosystem?

The main limitation is that the Apple Password app does not have a dedicated app for Windows or Android, though a browser extension is available. Additionally, you cannot share passwords with users outside the Apple ecosystem.

How does Apple Intelligence's new writing tool feature challenge third-party AI tools like Grammarly?

Apple Intelligence's writing tools, integrated systemwide, allow users to proofread and adjust text in native apps or third-party browsers. This integration challenges tools like Grammarly by offering similar functionality without needing additional apps or subscriptions.

What are the major improvements to the Notes app on macOS?

The Notes app now supports collapsible headers, different color highlights, audio recording with transcription, and dynamic math calculations. These updates bring the app closer to competing note-taking apps like Evernote.

What is iPhone mirroring on macOS, and why is it useful?

iPhone mirroring allows users to fully interact with their iPhone from their Mac, which is useful for using iOS-only apps and dragging files between devices. It also supports journaling on the Mac using apps like the Apple Journal app, which has no native macOS version.

What new feature in Safari can summarize a webpage, and how might it impact small websites?

Safari can now instantly summarize a webpage with a button next to the URL bar. This feature, while useful, might hurt smaller websites that rely on advertising since users can block ads and focus only on the main content.

What is the new 'Reduce Interruptions' Focus Mode in macOS, and how does it work?

The 'Reduce Interruptions' Focus Mode uses AI to analyze notifications and push only important ones. It is available across other Focus Modes and helps users stay more focused by minimizing distractions.