We found the 5 best MacOS Big Sur features and how to use them

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The latest Mac operating system from Apple, MacOS Big Sur, is now available for download. The new operating system, also called MacOS 11, is packed with new and redesigned features that enhance the experience, including updates to Safari, Messages, and Maps.

Big Sur will also be the first version of the operating system to run on Apple new Macs with the internal M1 silicon chipas well as your older Intel-based machines. If you buy a new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac Mini with the M1 chip, MacOS Big Sur is optimized to run on these machines. Apps will run faster and smoother, Apple executives said during a virtual event on November 10, and you will also see increased device security.

Even if you don’t plan on upgrading to a new Mac, Big Sur has a lot to offer on your current system too.

Do you want to get Big Sur now? We have instructions on how to download macOS Big SurY which Macs can you run it on, but please note: some users report slow download times and hangs.

Here are five parts of MacOS Big Sur with new features that you will want to check out when you upgrade and how you will use them.

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Safari

What’s new: Perhaps the biggest update in MacOS Big Sur comes in Apple’s Safari web browser. Apple said this is the biggest update to Safari since its launch in 2003. The revamped browser will load your most frequently visited websites faster and have better tab management capabilities. You will also find enhanced privacy features, including a privacy report button that lets you see how websites track your data and monitor whether any of your passwords have been compromised in a security breach

A new App Store category for Safari extensions will allow you to customize the sites and times each extension is used, if you don’t want it to run all the time. And a customizable Safari home page will let you choose from a select group of wallpapers or use one of your own photos. You can also use it to translate languages ​​from seven different languages ​​with a built-in function.

How will you use it: Open the Safari browser in the same way as you did before. Where you go depends on what you want to do: if you scroll to a website in another language, you can press a button to translate it. If you have multiple tabs open, you will see the website favicons by default so you can find the one you want faster. Preview content in a tab by hovering over it and clicking to remove all tabs to the right of a tab. Tap the privacy report button to see what data is collected on the site you are browsing.

Messages

What’s new: the new message app In MacOS Big Sur includes ways to pin conversations (similar to a feature in the new iOS 14), options to better discuss group messages, a redesigned search function, and new options for designing Memoji and using message effects.

How will you use it: Pin important conversations at the top of the app for faster access. Send direct messages to one person in a group and insert messages within a group, to keep those big chats under control. Type the name of someone in the group to tag them directly in the conversation. You can choose to only be notified of new messages in the group when your name is mentioned. Organize your search results by matching links, photos, or terms. Add message effects like balloons and confetti and create and personalize your Memoji on the Mac.

Maps

What’s new: The new Maps in Big Sur app includes more options to help you explore new places and share what you find, view detailed interior maps of major airports and shopping centers, see a 360-degree view of a destination, and use vehicle routes. electrical

How will you use it: Explore an area with trusted resource guides or create your own, checking off your favorite restaurants, parks, and vacation spots to create a guide that you can share with friends and family. Get a 360-degree view of a destination with a feature called Look Around. View detailed interior maps of major airports and shopping centers. If you have an electric car or scooter, use EV routing, which will take into account factors such as charging stations, weather, elevation, and the current charge level of your electric vehicle on your route.

Widgets

What’s new: I like iOS 14 Y iPadOS 14, MacOS Big Sur brings widgets to your home screen. Widgets are large, dynamic icons that display live app information such as the weather or your daily step count.

How will you use it: Instead of opening weather, calendar, or fitness tracker apps, use widgets to see an overview of the main information shown in a live feed on your home screen. Show different widgets at different times of the day, so you can see the weather in the morning and the news in the afternoon, for example. Create widgets in small, medium or large sizes.

Applications for iPhone and iPad

What’s new: If you buy one of Apple’s next Macs that work with the new Apple silicone chips, your computer will be able to run iPhone and iPad applications natively.

How will you use it: Go to the Mac App Store to install the new applications. Many iOS applications will be able to run alongside MacOS applications. If you’ve already purchased an app on iOS, you won’t have to buy it again for MacOS, you’ll just download it there too.

For more information, see how to download macOS Big SurY which Macs are compatible with MacOS Big Sur.

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