Apple on Thursday seeded a new version of its macOS 12 Monterey operating system to its public beta tester community, allowing non-developers to test the upcoming operating system ahead of its public release. The update comes just a day after Apple provided the ninth beta to developers.
Users can snag the new public beta from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple’s beta software website.
The macOS 12 Monterey operating system offers new features such as Universal Control, which allows a single mouse, trackpad, and keyboard to be used across multiple Mac or iPad devices, and AirPlay can be shared directly to a Mac from a Mac or iOS device.
Safari has an updated tab bar and support for Tab Groups to keep tons of tabs organized, and FaceTime now features support for spatial audio, Portrait Mode (M1 Macs only) and Voice Isolation for cutting out background noise. A SharePlay FaceTime feature (coming in a Monterey update) will let Apple TV users watch TV, listen to music, and share their screens with one another.
Apple’s upcoming Shared With You feature allows users to keep track of their music, links, podcasts, news, and photo that are sent in Messages, highlighting it in their relevant apps. Notes offers a new Quick Note feature, and the Shortcuts app is now available on the Mac.
A new dedicated Focus mode allows users to stay on task by removing assorted background distractions based on what’s going on, while an updated Maps application offers assorted new features. The upcoming Live Text feature allows Macs to detect text in photos or provide details on animals, art, landmarks, plants, and more in images. The new beta adds Live Text support for Intel Macs.
The upcoming Mail Privacy Protection feature hides IP and prevents tracking through invisible pixels, and iCloud Private Relay keeps Safari browsing protected.
If you’ve had a chance to try the new public beta, please let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via MacRumors and beta.apple.com