Apple has recently unveiled its latest version of the macOS operating system, called Sonoma, at the WWDC 2023 event. Sonoma brings a host of new features and improvements that aim to elevate the productivity and creativity of Mac users. In this post, I will review some of the best features of macOS Sonoma and share my thoughts on them.
Interactive Widgets
One of the most noticeable changes in macOS Sonoma is the introduction of interactive widgets that can be placed on the desktop. Widgets are small app-like components that display useful information or allow quick access to certain functions. For example, you can have a widget for your calendar, weather, reminders, music, or smart home devices.
Widgets in Sonoma are not only customizable in size and position, but also interactive. This means you can click on them to perform actions without opening the full app. For instance, you can check off a task in your reminders widget, pause or play a song in your music widget, or adjust the temperature in your smart home widget.
Another cool feature of widgets in Sonoma is that they can sync with your iPhone via Continuity. This means you can access any widget that is available on your iPhone on your Mac as well. This opens up a vast ecosystem of widgets that you can use on your desktop.
I think widgets are a great addition to macOS Sonoma. They make the desktop more lively and personal, and they offer a convenient way to access frequently used apps or information. I also like how they blend with the wallpaper and don’t interfere with my work when I’m using other apps.
Smart Video Conferencing Features
Video conferencing has become an essential part of our work and social lives, especially during the pandemic. macOS Sonoma recognizes this and brings some smart features to enhance the video conferencing experience on Macs.
One of these features is Presenter Overlay, which allows you to present your content more effectively by placing yourself on top of it. You can choose between a small circular bubble or a large overlay that covers part of your screen. This way, you can show your expressions and gestures while sharing your slides, documents, or videos.
Another feature is Reactions, which lets you share instant feedback in a video call using fun effects like confetti, balloons, hearts, and more. These effects are blended with your video in a cinematic way, so they appear in front and behind you. You can also trigger them with hand gestures, which adds more interactivity and fun to your video calls.
The best part about these features is that they are universal across macOS. This means you can use them in any video conferencing app that supports screen sharing or camera access, such as Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc.
I think these features are very useful and innovative for video conferencing. They make it easier to present and share your work remotely, and they add more personality and emotion to your video calls. They also make video conferencing more engaging and enjoyable for both you and your audience.
Game Mode
Macs are known for their performance and reliability, but not so much for their gaming capabilities. macOS Sonoma aims to change that with the introduction of Game Mode, which optimizes your Mac for a better gaming experience.
Game Mode prioritizes games over background tasks and ensures that the CPU and GPU deliver maximum performance for gaming. It also lowers audio latency on AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones, which improves the sound quality and immersion of games.
Game Mode also comes with exciting new game titles that are optimized for Macs, such as Call of Duty: Vanguard, FIFA 22, Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, etc. These games showcase the graphics and gameplay potential of Macs, especially those with Apple silicon chips.
Additionally, Apple has released a new game porting toolkit that makes it easier for developers to bring more games to Macs. This toolkit simplifies the process of converting games from other platforms to macOS using Metal API.
I think Game Mode is a welcome feature for Mac users who love gaming. It shows that Apple is serious about improving the gaming experience on Macs and attracting more gamers to its platform. It also demonstrates the power and versatility of Macs as devices that can handle both work and play.
Conclusion
macOS Sonoma is a major update that brings many new features and improvements to the Mac experience. It offers more ways to personalize with widgets and stunning new screen savers, significant updates to Safari and video conferencing, along with an optimized gaming experience.
I think macOS Sonoma is a great operating system that enhances the productivity and creativity of Mac users. It also makes the Mac more fun and enjoyable to use. I highly recommend upgrading to macOS Sonoma when it becomes available later this year.
