The tech giant Apple released the latest update for its desktop OS. The new and free macOS Sierra comes to the iMac and MacBook compatible lineups with many innovative features.
Sierra succeeds OS X 10.11 El Capitan which debuted nearly a year ago. Sierra is the thirteenth major update in line for MacBooks and iMacs, and it also represents a change in branding since it does away with the OS X name for the macOS brand.
The Sierra update is available for computer sets from 2009 or more recent. It is free for all users, and it packs some exciting new features for Apple users. It is available since yesterday, people can go to Apple’s website and check if macOS supports their computers.
Siri arrives on Apple’s computer systems
One of the main highlights of Apple’s latest OS update is the support for Siri’s integration on desktops and laptops. The voice assistant first made its appearance as an exclusive feature for mobile handsets, most notably on the iPhone.
Siri’s full-fledged capacities as a personal assistant have been optimized for a desktop experience in iMacs and MacBooks. Besides performing tasks like informing the weather or traffic, Sierra’s Siri also supports a smart search for documents, files, and apps on the computer, as well as access to system settings.
Apple brings Sierra’s security smarts to the desktop OS
MacOS Sierra comes with a feature long overdue for Apple computers. The operating system update now supports quick unlocking through one of the company’s latest devices: the Apple Watch.
Users on macOS Sierra can sort through their security settings and select the ‘Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac’ option. Then, the computer and the device will pair automatically and the computer will unlock when the the Apple Watch gets close.
Computers running Sierra now support Apple Pay
Another major component added to the new OS version is the integration of Apple Pay and the Safari web browser. Navigating online using Safari will now prompt Apple Pay as a payment option if the retailer supports it.
To confirm the transaction on the web, users must use their iPhones or Apple Watches to authenticate their identities and purchases.
Further additions to the computer experience on Apple sets include built-in smart search within the Photos app, a universal clipboard feature that allows users to copy and paste data between Apple devices, picture-in-picture video watching, storage optimization, iCloud enhancements, and tab support for apps.
Source: Apple