Apple’s next-generation road map has many twists and turns
In addition to iOS 12 (which I covered last week), Apple previewed its next-generation operating systems for the Mac, Apple TV and Apple Watch, and a look at the overhauled Mac App Store, all coming this fall.
The next-generation OS for Macs (version 10.14), known as Mojave, will include several new features:
· Dark Mode: If you find your Mac’s screen(s) too bright or garish, you’re going to love this new feature that intelligently darkens almost everything on the screen. Built-in Mac apps take advantage of it automatically, and an API allows third-party developers implement it in their apps.
· Stacks: This is the first real interface change for the Finder in years, gathering files on the desktop and sorting them into “Stacks” based on their file type. It’s customizable and finally offers us a quick, easy way to clean up disorganized Desktops.
· FaceTime Group Calling: If you’ve ever wished for an easy way to create a group video or audio chat, FaceTime on macOS and iOS will allow up to 32 people to converse at once.
· Continuity Camera: This new feature lets you take pictures
or scan documents with a nearby iDevice, which appear instantly on your Mac. If it works well, it may be the sleeper hit of Mojave. Or not.
· News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home apps:
These four apps, which you know and (possibly) love on your iPhone or iPad, come to the Mac for the first time in macOS Mojave.
· All New Mac App Store: Long overdue, this overhaul has a new look and feel and should make it easier to find the right Mac app faster than ever. And soon you’ll be able to buy Microsoft Office, Adobe Lightroom CC, BBEdit and many other third-party apps previously unavailable in the App Store.
Also coming in Mojave are new screenshot controls and options, a new Gallery View (which replaces the lame Cover Flow view), Quick Actions and Markup Tools available everywhere — including the Finder, Quick Look windows and screenshots,
TvOS 12 will add support for Dolby Atmos audio to Apple TV 4K, which (according to Apple) will make it the only streaming player certified for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. I’m looking forward to the new interactive aerial screen savers shot from space by astronauts.
Finally, watchOS 5 will feature Activity Competitions, auto-workout detection (YEA!!!), advanced running features and something called “Walkie-Talkie.” I’m old enough to know what that is, but will younger folks?
This year’s updates offered fewer whizzy new features than in many years past and promise more performance and stability improvements than usual, too.
I consider this a good thing indeed, but how much faster, more stable and more secure will they be?
You’ll have to wait until this fall to learn the thrilling conclusion.