Jacob Krol / TheStreet
Like clockwork, your Mac will jump into the next generation of software with macOS Ventura this fall. It was announced in June during Apple’s annual WWDC event with iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and watchOS 9.
I’ve been using the developer beta of Ventura since it was announced, and from today a public beta will be launched. If you fancy looking at features like your iPhone as a webcam, the ability to edit messages, or the new multitasking mode Stage Manager, you will eventually be able to.
However, it’s a beta, which means you can expect some slowdowns, hiccups, bugs, and even some applications that may not open. I would recommend that you install it on a secondary device and complete a full backup before doing so.
Everyone – as long as their Macs are compatible – will get macOS Ventura this fall as a free update. But now I’m going to break down my experience so far and what stood out. So let’s start with a critical feature that builds on the ecosystem element of Apple’s various devices.
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Your iPhone can be your webcam
Jacob Krol / TheStreet
There’s a good chance your Mac – even if it’s Apple silicone – still has a 720p FaceTime HD camera. With Covid-19 and regular video calls, let’s just say we can all use an update. If you have an iPhone in your pocket or hand, there is a good chance that it has some pretty impressive cameras on the back.
So, with Continuity Camera, your iPhone will become your webcam. It will be good HD, support Portrait mode, enhance your lighting and keep you in the frame with Center Stage. It works incredibly well, and I really appreciated the compliments of my colleagues and friends. Remember that you need a recent iPhone and a Mac with Apple Silicon, so an M1 or M2 processor.
How does it work? Well, it’s automatic – you’ll need a Mac with Ventura and an iPhone with iOS 16. They’s securely paired via Bluetooth, and your Mac will allow you to use your iPhone as a camera. You will then position your phone to capture you, and you are good to go. I have not experienced much latency, and it is a fairly seamless experience throughout. Inside the Control Center at the top right of your Mac’s screen or the video calling application, you’ll be able to turn on features like Portrait Mode or Medium Stage.
In my early days of running the developer beta, I attached a tripod to the top of my monitor to get the rear cameras on my iPhone in a good spot. On my MacBook Air, I just propped it to the side. Here’s a free tip: Keep your iPhone cameras facing up.
And this fall, Belkin will release a mountain, and I started using one. It’s MagSafe and is attached to the back of my iPhone and then clipped to the top of my Mac – it’s virtually perfect and offers a great view.
Desk View is just very technically impressive. Essentially, it will use the same iPhone main cameras to show a view from your desktop. So if you need to show a model or prototype on your desktop, you can add that view to the frame. Again, just very technically impressive and looks like you have two cameras.
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It’s also much easier to move a FaceTime call between devices. When I record a call with my brother Max on my iPhone, I get a notification on my Mac or can click on the FaceTime logo in my top bar to move the call to the Mac. You will double click to make sure your camera is ready, and the call will move.
Stage Manager is Awesome
Jacob Krol / TheStreet
Now on any Mac you can change windows and run multiple spaces to keep your work organized, but with macOS Ventura Apple gives you another option to get organized with apps. In essence, Stage Manager allows you to focus on one specific application or set of them by swapping which one is in front and in the middle with a sidebar. You can even group two applications into that centerpiece, and it’s an easy way to focus.
While working, I found myself grouping Slack, Safari, Chrome, Messages, Pixelmator Pro and Mail. This way I can browse through my most used applications, drag and drop assets from each one, and not be distracted by running into another application or – let’s be honest – staying on social media for too long. And fear not, folks, you can still turn windows into Stage Manager.
All cases will live in a toolbar on the left, including different windows of the same application. This is quite handy as you can see all the windows for the software included in the case, this way you can jump between them by selecting them. You can also drag an image from Slack directly to Pixelmator on the left to make it appear in that application. And you can have multiple applications front and center in any layout you want.
Jacob Krol / TheStreet
This is a new way to approach multitasking and your workflow on the Mac, but I feel you will find it very useful. And if you do not want to use it, you do not have to: it is completely optional.
Useful new features in messages
Jacob Krol / TheStreet
Just like iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and watchOS 9, Messaging is becoming much more functional. You will be able to edit or even undo an iMessage within 15 minutes. And can mark conversations as unread.
You will click on a Message to edit or undo it within a conversation. On a device using the latest version, it will show that the message has been edited or has not been sent. Like other iterations on other services, transparency is key. It works pretty well in my use and syncs quickly across devices.
macOS Ventura is all about productivity
So after a few weeks with macOS Ventura, it’s clear that its focus is on productivity and deeper integration with the entire Apple ecosystem. In my eyes, continuity camera and stage manager are the two outstanding features. The latter is beneficial and has been a big part of my daily workflow. I could see people choosing the public beta to try it.
Which Macs are compatible with Ventura?
Chances are good that you got your Mac after 2017, you will get the download for macOS Ventura when it ships. And you are eligible for the Public Beta, which is now being launched. Here is the complete list of Macs that are compatible with Ventura.
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