In the past few years, Apple has worked to integrate features from their highly successful iOS to the desktop realm. The newest version, macOS Sierra, is the most integrated version yet. The connection between the Mac desktop and Apple’s mobile devices is stronger than ever.
Siri, meet macOS.
One significant move Apple has made with Sierra is bringing Siri to the desktop. Not only can Siri do all the things she could do on your phone, but she will now be able to interact with apps and settings on your desktop, as well. For example, one will soon be able to ask Siri to search for specific photos and then click and drag the desired photo into a document. Along with increased developer access to Siri’s capabilities, Apple hopes to now focus on what they call “Siri intelligence” to beef up their stature in the increasingly competitive AI field.
Software & App Improvements
Within Sierra’s Photos app, Apple has integrated facial recognition to better organize your photo collections by people. Also, just like the Photos app in iOS 10, your desktop will be able to automatically create video slide show of your photos using the Memories feature.
On the more technical side of things, macOS Sierra will introduce an early experimental preview of a new file system, APFS, which will allow easier storage snapshots and file indexing. Also, you will now be able to have multiple “tabs” within applications to keep your desktop uncluttered. You’ll also be able to watch videos in a new picture-in-picture mode for easier multitasking.
The new macOS Sierra is in beta and only available members of the Apple Developer Program. Apple plans on releasing Sierra to the public later this fall.
