macOS 14 Sonoma on MacBook Air M1 - What's New and How It Performs

Summary

In this video, the presenter reviews the latest macOS Sonoma (version 14) update using a MacBook Air with M1. Key features include the ability to add widgets directly to the desktop, a redesigned lock screen with animations, and the option to treat websites like apps through Safari. Other updates include dynamic wallpapers, password sharing with trusted contacts, and a game mode that optimizes CPU and GPU usage. While some changes are minor, the update enhances performance, especially on Apple’s chipsets, making it a recommended upgrade for users.

Takeaways

• 😀 The review is on the new macOS update called Sonoma version 14.
• 💻 The reviewer uses a MacBook Air M1 with 512 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM.
• 🖼️ Apple introduced desktop widgets that can be moved from the control panel to the desktop for easier access and customization.
• 🔒 The lock screen has a new design, with animated backgrounds and repositioned login credentials similar to iOS.
• 🌐 You can now turn websites into apps using Safari, adding them directly to the dock for quick access.
• 🔐 Password sharing with trusted contacts is introduced, allowing users to manage and share passwords with family members or coworkers.
• 🖥️ Dynamic wallpapers and screensavers with changing colors and animations have been added, improving the visual experience.
• 🎮 A game mode enhances gaming performance by maximizing CPU and GPU usage, while reducing background tasks and improving latency with controllers and headphones.
• ⌨️ Enhanced language and Caps Lock indicators have been added for easier typing and language switching.
• 🚀 Sonoma focuses on enhancing the performance of Apple chipsets, particularly for better usability and system responsiveness.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video is a review of the new macOS Sonoma version 14, focusing on its features and performance on a MacBook Air with an M1 chip.

What device is being used for the review?

The review is conducted on a MacBook Air with the M1 chip, 512GB SSD, and 16GB of RAM.

What new feature allows users to personalize their desktop?

Users can now add and move widgets from the widget panel directly onto their desktop for easier access and personalization.

How has the lock screen changed in macOS Sonoma?

The lock screen in macOS Sonoma has been redesigned, with the name and password fields moved to the bottom of the screen. It also includes animated lock screens.

How can websites be added to the Dock in macOS Sonoma?

Users can open a website in Safari, click 'Add to Dock,' and the website will appear in the Dock as a separate app for easy access.

What feature allows sharing passwords with trusted contacts?

macOS Sonoma introduces the ability to share passwords with trusted contacts or family members, making it easier to jointly use websites or apps that require a shared login.

What new dynamic wallpaper and screensaver options are available?

macOS Sonoma introduces dynamic wallpapers and screensavers, including animated options that change based on the user's lighting and preferences. These are available in light, dark, and dynamic modes.

What is the purpose of 'Game Mode' in macOS Sonoma?

Game Mode optimizes the Mac’s performance by allocating more CPU and GPU resources to running games while reducing background tasks. It also improves latency for controllers and headphones.

How has the language-switching feature been improved?

macOS Sonoma adds clearer visual cues for language switching and Caps Lock when typing, making it easier to see which language is in use.

Is macOS Sonoma a significant update in terms of performance and features?

While macOS Sonoma does not introduce many revolutionary changes, it offers several nice-to-have improvements, such as widget placement, dynamic screensavers, Game Mode, and better performance on Apple’s M1 chipset, making it a worthwhile update.