Unfortunately an implementation of AirPlay 2 isn’t yet present in this early version of Control Center, and it still has its fair share of quirks. Traditionalists will be happy to know that you can drag elements from the Control Center block of controls directly into the menu bar for quick shortcuts access. Mac users will be able to control volume, screen brightness, keyboard backlight, Bluetooth and Wifi, and other functions directly from Control Center in Big Sur. Control Center, like its iOS counterpart, allows users to control many system functions within a common area. The implementation of Control Center into macOS is finally here in Big Sur, and its closely tied to the traditional macOS menu bar. In Messages, the update is even more useful, with the ability to use Memoji stickers, insert GIF animations, use Message effects, inline replies, pinned messages, rename groups, and more. The enhancements mean that you’ll now be able to use the Street View-like Look Around feature in Maps, use Guides, and access indoor maps, among other improvements. Now both Maps and Messages more or less gain parity with their iOS counterparts. These apps, which are based on their iPad versions, are massive improvements from a functionality standpoint over the Maps and Messages apps found in macOS Catalina. In macOS Big Sur we gain two more native Mac Catalyst apps in Messages and Maps. Watch our video walkthrough embedded above for a hands-on look. Thanks to macOS Big Sur, I now have one less reason to use Google’s browser.įinally, there’s a new Custom Start Page, which allows you to add a background image, Privacy Report, iCloud Tabs, Frequently Visited sites, Reading List, and more. In years past, the lack of a built-in Safari translation tool caused me to use Chrome from time to time. There’s now a native translation utility baked into Safari, just like you’ll find in iOS 14. Website previews allow you to hover your cursor over a tab to view a quick preview of what the tab contains. Favicons on tabs are now enabled by default, and when you have lots of open tabs, Favicons become the tool to help you quickly identify them.Īll new in the latest version of Safari are website previews. Safari in Big Sur is also focused on the user experience when it comes to managing lots of tabs. These changes shouldn’t evoke surprise, as Safari has always been the most efficient browser for Mac users. Apple notes that frequently-visited pages load up to 50% faster than competing browsers, and users can stream video for up to three hours longer and browse the web for up to one hour longer. Safari is even faster and more power efficient in macOS Big Sur. Oh, and the wonderful startup sound that Apple disabled a few years back has made a return it can now be toggled via Sound preferences. The new sounds complement the new UI in that they seem a bit more lighthearted and airy. The updated sound effects are a breath of fresh air for those of us who’ve grown tired of the typical macOS sounds. Although many of the app Icons feature unique textures and Mac-like stylistic elements, the updated rounded rectangle icons are unmistakably influenced by iOS. Outside of the new floating translucent dock and translucent menu bar, the most noticeable visual change involves app icons. Subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for more videos Thanks to MacPaw for sponsoring 9to5mac on YouTube: Get CleanMyMac X with a 30% discount Video: macOS Big Sur changes and features Although full uniformity isn’t all the way there yet in this initial beta, I suspect that future betas will continue to bring apps and utilities in line with macOS’ new design language. The new side bar design lends more space for frequently used elements within your favorite apps.Īnother big change are the UI symbols, which give apps a more consistent look. One of the biggest changes that you’ll notice are the full-height sidebars, which are found in the Finder and within apps like Notes, Reminders, Music, etc. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough as we discuss over 85 macOS Big Sur changes and features, and be sure to subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for more videos. Everything, from the dock, to the menu bar, to window chrome, icons, and even sounds have been updated. The biggest takeaway from my hands-on time with the follow up to macOS Catalina is that Apple’s latest OS is clearly being designed with the future in mind.Īlthough it’s unmistakably Mac, Big Sur is a departure from previous versions of macOS in terms of aesthetics. After going in depth with iOS 14 earlier this week, today we focus on macOS Big Sur.
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