Apple releases macOS Big Sur open beta: almost iOS for computers
Apple has released an open beta version of its new macOS Big Sur operating system. The new OS has changed a lot, not only in appearance but also is ready to offer many new features that were not present in previous versions of macOS.
For example, the overall theme of the OS has become somewhat darker. Application icons have changed – now they look more like the icons of the mobile operating system iOS. The icon bar is now transparent and does not cover part of the desktop wallpaper.
Apple also added a separate “Control Center” to Big Sur, where all the most necessary settings were collected in one place. Here you can turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on or off, adjust the screen brightness, volume, and so on. Action Center is no longer two separate panels for notifications and widgets. Apple has brought everything together.
The Safari browser lets you customize your start page with your favorite and frequently visited websites. In addition, you can customize the background of the page by setting your own image. The changes also affected the tabs. Favikoms are now enabled by default. When you hover the mouse over a tab, it will display a preview of the page.
Messages allow you to send various effects along with the text, just like on iOS. For example, you can add the effect of virtual candy, balloons, lasers, and more. In addition, the functions of pinned conversations and ready answers have migrated here from the mobile version.
The new macOS Big Sur has received updated Maps, new system sounds, and more. The beta version of Apple’s new operating system can be installed on the following devices:
- MacBook (2015 and newer models)
- MacBook Air (2013 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and newer)
- Mac mini (2014 and newer models)
- iMac (2014 and newer models)
- iMac Pro (2017 and newer models)
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)
You can download the beta version of macOS Big Sur from the Apple beta testing program by registering in advance.
