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Apple’s new macOS Sonoma 14.4 update now available

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macOS Sonoma 14.4

We recently got the new iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 software updates for the iPhone and iPad and now Apple has also released their macOS Sonoma 14.4 software update for the Mac. This update brings some new features to the Mac, plus a range of bug fixes and performance improvements.

One of the more visually engaging features of this update is the introduction of a range of new emoji. Users can now express themselves with a wider variety of emoji, including new additions such as a mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji. These additions not only enrich the expressive range available to users but also cater to a broader spectrum of emotions and objects that people might want to communicate in their digital conversations.

The update revolutionizes how users interact with podcast episodes. Users can now read episode texts in full, search for words or phrases within them, click to play from a specific point, and use these features alongside accessibility tools like Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver. This improvement significantly enhances the usability and accessibility of podcasts on the Mac, making content more discoverable and enjoyable for all users.

Another noteworthy feature is the enhancement of Messages for Business. Users can now receive opted-in updates from trusted businesses, such as order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts, and other transactions. This feature streamlines communication between businesses and customers, ensuring that important updates are easily accessible within a familiar messaging interface.

The update also brings an aesthetic and functional enhancement to Safari’s Favorites Bar. Users now have the option to display only icons for websites, offering a cleaner and more streamlined look that maximizes screen real estate. This change allows for quicker access to frequently visited websites and a more organized browsing experience.

Here are the official release notes from Apple:

macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduces new emoji as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

Emoji
– New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in emoji keyboard
– 18 people and body emoji support facing the opposite direction

This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
– Podcasts Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, clicked to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver
– Business Updates in Messages for Business let you get updates that you’ve opted into, like order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions from trusted businesses
– Safari Favorites Bar adds an option to show only icons for websites

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

The new macOS Sonoma 14.4 software update is now available to download, you can install the update from the settings menu on your Mac, if you notice any other changes or new features, please leave a comment below and let us know.

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What’s new in macOS Sonoma RC (Video)

macOS Sonoma RC

Apple enthusiasts and MacBook users, prepare for an exciting upgrade with the release of macOS Sonoma 14.4 Release Candidate (RC). This update not only showcases Apple’s unwavering dedication to enhancing its ecosystem but also introduces a plethora of features and improvements aimed at elevating the user experience. In the video below from Half Man Half Tech we get to find out about the key changes and additions brought by this update, offering a glimpse into what makes macOS Sonoma 14.4 a significant leap forward.

FaceTime Gets a Professional Polish

Recognizing the pivotal role of video conferencing in today’s professional environment, Apple has implemented crucial enhancements to FaceTime. Accidental triggers of reactions during meetings, a common grievance among users, have been addressed. With macOS 14.4, FaceTime reactions are disabled by default, allowing users to activate them manually if desired. This thoughtful change is designed to uphold professionalism and minimize disruptions during video calls.

Enhanced Stability: Kernel Panics Resolved

Apple takes system stability seriously, as evidenced by the resolution of kernel panics that led to sudden restarts or application closures. Users plagued by these issues can look forward to a more stable and reliable macOS experience, indicating Apple’s commitment to system performance and user satisfaction.

Apple TV and Music App Integration

The update brings significant improvements to the Apple TV app, including a new notification popup and an updated version tailored for the Apple Vision Pro device. Similarly, the Music application has been refined to ensure a seamless experience, particularly when mirroring the Mac screen to Apple Vision Pro, enhancing entertainment and multimedia functionality.

A Fresh Look: New Wallpapers and Emojis

With macOS 14.4, users are treated to new wallpapers that showcase the recently released iMacs and a Pro black theme for MacBook Pros. The addition of 18 new emojis further enriches communication, allowing users to express themselves in more creative and diverse ways.

Podcasts and Music App Redefined

The Podcast app introduces a transcript search function, improving accessibility and user engagement. Moreover, the “Listen Now” tab has been renamed to “Home” in both the Podcast and Music applications, streamlining the user interface across Apple’s media offerings.

Siri and Safari: Streamlined for Efficiency

In Germany, Siri can now be activated with a shorter phrase, enhancing user convenience. Safari receives an update allowing users to opt for a cleaner, icon-only display by hiding the text of their favorites bar, showcasing Apple’s attention to detail in user interface design.

Full Support for the New MacBook with M3 Chip

The latest MacBook, powered by the M3 chip, is fully supported in macOS 14.4. This ensures that users benefit from optimal compatibility and performance, solidifying the seamless integration of Apple’s hardware and software.

System Sounds and Widgets Reimagined

This update is not just about visual enhancements; it also introduces new ringtones and resolves a bug affecting the window display. Clock application widgets have been added and improved, further enriching the macOS interface and user interaction.

In conclusion, macOS Sonoma 14.4 stands out as a testament to Apple’s dedication to refining its software ecosystem in response to user feedback. From interface improvements to system stability and new features, this update is poised to enhance the MacBook experience significantly. As we explore the nuances of macOS Sonoma 14.4, it’s clear that Apple continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that its users enjoy a robust, user-friendly, and cutting-edge operating system.

Source & Image Credit: Half Man Half Tech

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What’s new in macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3

macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3

We have a great video from HalfManHalfTech that gives us a look at the new macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3. Firstly, the macOS 14.4 Beta 3 is an essential download for developer beta testers, and it’s on the horizon for public beta enthusiasts as well. At approximately 2.39 GB, the size of the update is on par with its predecessors, indicating a balanced approach to introducing new features and ensuring system stability.

  • FaceTime Reimagined: Apple has tweaked FaceTime interactions to enhance user experience during critical meetings. The default setting now turns off FaceTime reactions to prevent accidental triggers, requiring users to manually enable them. This thoughtful change minimizes disruptions and ensures smoother communication.
  • Stability Boost: Addressing the dreaded kernel panics, this update brings much-needed stability improvements. By resolving the issues that caused unexpected restarts and application closures, Apple enhances the reliability of its devices, offering a smoother, more dependable user experience.
  • Media Application Updates: Both Apple TV and Apple Music see notable updates. A fresh splash screen graces Apple TV, and Apple Music’s “Listen Now” tab has been rebranded to “Home,” reflecting a more intuitive user interface. Additionally, these updates hint at better support for Vision Pro’s expansive 180° view, underscoring Apple’s commitment to immersive media experiences.
  • Emojis and Wallpapers: Who doesn’t love new emojis? The update brings a batch of these, alongside adjustments to missing wallpapers, such as the Pro Black wallpaper for M3 MacBook Pros. These changes suggest a continuous effort to personalize and refine the user interface.
  • Podcasts and Siri Enhancements: The Podcasts app gets a minor facelift with a new popup screen that outlines the latest features. Siri also receives improvements, especially in supporting the German language and reading messages in non-default languages, enhancing the versatility of Apple’s virtual assistant.

Apple’s latest beta version of macOS Sonoma 14.4 reflects a dedication to enhancing user experience, system stability, and functionality. By addressing past issues and introducing new features, this update showcases Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining its operating system. Whether you’re a developer eager to test the latest features or a user excited for the next public release, macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3 is shaping up to be a significant update that promises to elevate the macOS experience. We are expecting this update to be released in March.

Source & Image Credit: Half Man Half Tech

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macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3 released

macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3

Apple just dropped macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3 for Mac to developers, hot on the heels of the second beta’s release a week ago. They didn’t stop there, though; iOS 17.4 beta 3 and iPadOS 17.4 beta 3 also joined the party with their updates.

The upcoming macOS Sonoma 14.4 is gearing up to pack your Mac or MacBook with cool new features, alongside some solid performance tweaks and fixes for those pesky bugs we’ve all been dealing with.

Since we’re just seeing the third beta of macOS Sonoma 14.4, it looks like the final version won’t be ready for a bit, expectations are pointing towards an early March launch. This timing seems to sync up with when Apple plans to release the new iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 updates, too.

Apple will be releasing iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 in March which will comply with the new Digital Markets Act in Europe, Apple will allow alternate App Stores on the iPhone in Europe and also sideloading of apps.

We are expecting Apple to release their macOS Sonoma software update at the same time as the iOS and iPadOS updates. The new macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 3  is now available for developers to download and try out, you can find out more details over at Apple’s developer website at the link below.

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Essential macOS Sonoma Tips & Tricks (Video)

macOS Sonoma

macOS Sonoma comes with a range of great features designed to boost your productivity, enhance customization, and introduce an array of new capabilities to your Mac. Whether you’re a seasoned Mac aficionado or new to the macOS ecosystem, this video below from Created Tech is designed to help you unlock the full potential of your device, optimizing your daily tasks and personalizing your system to better suit your preferences.

Bring Your Desktop to Life with iPhone Widgets

You’ll be pleased to know that macOS Sonoma bridges the gap between your iPhone and Mac, allowing you to add iPhone widgets directly to your Mac desktop. This seamless integration provides quick access to information at a glance, ensuring your most-used apps and data are always within reach. Imagine having your calendar, weather updates, or stock tickers just a click away, without needing to unlock your phone or open an app.

Dynamic Lock Screen Wallpapers

Elevate your lock screen with animated wallpapers, a new feature in macOS Sonoma. This enhancement brings a touch of personalization and vibrancy to your Mac, making the simple act of turning on your computer an experience in itself. Whether it’s a calming seascape or a vibrant cityscape, your lock screen can now reflect your mood or interests.

Enhanced Typing Experience

Typing on macOS Sonoma becomes more intuitive with inline predictive text and spelling suggestions. By utilizing the function key or F5, the system offers suggestions to complete your sentences or correct your spelling, streamlining your writing process and making it more efficient.

Safari: The Ultimate Browsing Customization

Safari on macOS Sonoma takes customization to the next level. Locking tabs with Touch ID, saving your favorite websites as apps in the Dock, and tailoring the new tab page to your preferences are just a few of the enhancements. These features not only improve security but also make your browsing experience more personal and convenient.

Mastering File Management

File management has never been easier, thanks to macOS Sonoma. With tips on utilizing the Preview app for image editing, converting, and compressing images directly from Finder, and creating Smart Folders for enhanced organization, managing your files is a breeze. These tools are designed to streamline your workflow and keep your files organized without the need for additional software.

Customization at Your Fingertips

Personalize your macOS experience with customization tips that allow you to change the appearance of the pointer, accent colors, and Finder background. Moreover, using Memoji for user profiles adds a fun, personalized touch to your Mac, making it truly yours.

Efficient Screenshot and Screen Recording Tools

Capture the moment with macOS Sonoma’s efficient screenshot and screen recording tools. With shortcuts and settings designed for quick access, managing your screenshots and recordings has never been easier. Whether you’re creating content, documenting work, or just saving something interesting, these tools are indispensable.

Note-Taking and PDF Management Like Never Before

The enhancements in note-taking and PDF management within macOS Sonoma are noteworthy. Floating notes, searching within notes, and the ability to merge or edit PDF files directly in Preview revolutionize the way you organize your thoughts and manage documents, making it easier to stay on top of your work.

General Productivity Enhancements

macOS Sonoma is packed with general productivity tips that will change the way you work. From pasting text without formatting to using Hot Corners with modifiers to prevent accidental triggers, these features are designed to streamline your workflow. Additionally, tools for summarizing text and preventing your Mac from sleeping via Terminal commands offer more control over your work environment.

Embrace the full potential of macOS Sonoma with these tips and tricks. By integrating these features into your daily routine, you can enhance your productivity, customize your experience, and enjoy a more efficient and personalized workflow. Dive into macOS Sonoma and discover how these enhancements can transform your Mac usage.

Source & Image Credit: Created Tech

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What’s new in macOS Sonoma 14.4 (Video)

macOS Sonoma 14.4

We heard earlier that Apple had released a new beta to developers for the Mac in the form of macOS Sonoma 14.4 beta 1. In the ever-evolving world of Apple’s software updates, the latest buzz surrounds the release of macOS Sonoma 14.4 Beta 1. The video below from Half Man Half Tech gives us more details on exactly what is included in the latest beta of Apple’s macOS.

The macOS Sonoma 14.4 Beta 1 is not just a minor tweak but a substantial update, weighing in at 3.44 GB. It follows on the heels of macOS 14.3 and arrives alongside updates for other Apple devices, including Watch 10.4 Beta 1, iOS 17.4 Beta 1, iPadOS, and tvOS. If you are wondering about the update path, users on macOS versions 11 to 12.3.1 need to update to macOS 12.4 before they can leap to 14.4.

In a surprising move, Apple has removed certain wallpapers, specifically those designed for the latest iMacs and MacBook Pros. This isn’t a first for Apple, as they’ve previously pulled wallpapers in beta versions, only to reintroduce them in the final release. So, if you’re missing those visuals, hang tight – they might make a comeback.

You will be pleased to know that the update is not all about subtractions. It introduces fresh emojis, like a head-shaking emoji and a zesty lime emoji, among others, adding more expressive flair to your digital conversations. The family icons get a makeover too, giving a fresh look to familiar graphics.The ‘Listen Now’ tab in Apple Music undergoes a rebranding, now known as ‘Home’. This subtle name change hints at a more personalized and central experience. The Podcasts app, while maintaining its core functionality, gets a slight aesthetic upgrade, enhancing the user experience.

If you’re a user in Germany, here’s something to be excited about. You can now summon Siri with just the phrase “Siri”, in addition to the customary “Hey Siri”. This simplification could be a game-changer in how we interact with our devices.

The Clock app borrows from iOS’s repertoire, adding new ringtones like ‘Valley’ and expanding its classic collection. This addition should bring a refreshing change to how you wake up or get reminded.

The update addresses a crashing issue with Finder, which is a relief for many. However, be aware of new quirks like extended installation times, crashes in the Weather app on Intel-based Macs, and glitches with third-party emojis in Messages.

As enticing as these new features are, remember that this is still a beta release. It’s unstable and not recommended for your primary device. The expected timeline for the public release is around the first or second week of March, along with the new iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 updates.

Source & Image Credit: Half Man Half Tech

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macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 2 released to developers

macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 2

Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 2 to developers, the software came a couple of weeks after the release of the first beta, and we are also expecting it to be made available to public beta testers shortly as well.

Apple also released watchOS 10.3 beta 2 for the Apple Watch iOS 17.3 beta 2 and iPadOS 17.3 beta 2. Both the iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 beta 2 updates were pulled by Apple shortly after they were released due to an issue with the updates that caused a boot loop.

The specific enhancements and features that will be included in the macOS Sonoma 14.3 update remain undisclosed at this point. More information is anticipated before the release of the final version of the software. WQe can expect this update to come with a range of bug fixes and performance improvements for the Mac.

Given that this release is the second beta of the series, the completion and distribution of the final version of macOS Sonoma 14.3 to the general public is not immediate. The expectation is that it will become available towards the end of January or early February.

As soon as we get some details on a possible release date for the macOS Sonoma 14.3 software update we will let you know. Developers can now download the macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 2 and you can find out more details at the link below.

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Apple releases macOS Sonoma 14.2.1

macOS Sonoma 14.2.1

As well as the new iOS 17.2.1 software for the iPhone, Apple also released new software for the Mac, macOS Sonoma 14.2.1, and this update brings some bug fixes to the Mac, it does not appear to come with any major new features

The new macOS Sonoma 14.2.1 software comes a week after the release of the macOS Sonoma 14.2 software update which included a wide range of new features for Apple’s range of Mac computers.

The previous macOS Sonoma 14.2 software update included a range of new features for the Mac, these included enhancements for PDFs, changes and new features for the Messages app, updates for the Weather app and also the Clockm, plus various other new features,

The new macOS Sonoma 14.2.1 software is now available to download for your Mac, you can install it by going to Settings > Software Update on your Mac, it is recommended that you install the latest version.

Apple also recently released a new beta of macOS Sonoma, in the form of macOS Sonomoa 14.3, we may get to see another new beta of this software this week. Apple is expected to release the final version of macOS Sonoma 14.3 in January, probably sometime around the end of January.

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Apple released macOS Sonoma 14.3 Public Beta 1

macOS Sonoma 14.3

As well as releasing new public betas of iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, Apple also released a new public beta for the Mac, macOS Sonoma 14.3 Public Beta, the release comes shortly after the release of a new developer beta of macOS Sonoma 14.3

The new macOS Sonoma 14.3 software will bring a range of new features to the Mac, it will also include a range of performance improvements and bug fixes, and also possibly some security enhancements.

The latest Mac software update introduces improvements in PDF Autofill, Messages app enhancements, detailed weather forecasts, and more. PDF Autofill now quickly fills in details from contacts, making digital document handling easier. The Messages app adds a ‘catch-up arrow’ for unread messages, convenient sticker additions, and Contact Key Verification for secure communications.

Weather tracking features now include ten-day precipitation forecasts and informative widgets displaying various conditions. Additional updates include a ‘Favorite Songs Playlist’ in Apple Music, a focus mode to disable ‘Listening History’, Shazam Music Recognition integration, and expanded keyboard layouts for seven Sámi languages. Feature availability may vary by region and device.

The new macOS Sonoma 14.3 Public Beta 1 is now available to download, you can find out more details at the link below, you will need to be a member of Apple’s public beta testing program to try the software out. We are expecting the final version of macO Sonoma 14.3 to be released sometime in January 2024, as soon as we get more details on a release date, we will let you know.

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macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 1 released to developers

macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 1

Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 1 to developers, this new beta comes just a day after the release of macOS Sonoma 14.2 to everyone. Apple also released iOS 17.3 beta 1 for the iPhone,  iPadOS 17.3 beta 1 for the iPad, and watchOS 10.3 beta 1 for the Apple Watch.

The new macOS Sonoma 14.3 software will bring a range of bug fixes and performance improvements to Apple’s range of Macs, the software is also expected to introduce some new features as well.
as yet we do not have any details on what new features Apple will introduce with their macOS Sonoma 14.3 software update, we should have more details on this before the final version of the software is released.

As this is the first beta in the series it will be a while before the final version of macOS Sonoma 14.3 is released to everyone, this is not expected to be made available until January 2024.

Developers can now try out the new macOS Sonoma 14.3 beta 1 software and you can find out more details over at Apple’s developer website at the link below, we are also expecting Apple to release a public beta of the software as well. As soon as we get some details on exactly when the macOS Sonoma 14.3 software update will be available, we will let you know.

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