Hidden Monterey features you need to try right away

MacBooks are one of the most prized machines because of their high-end performance and fantastic features that make way for enhanced workflow. The usual glitches do not plague Macs complained about by Windows users, such as bloatware, viruses, or late upgrades. On the other hand, there are several macOS versions because Apple makes it a point to update the OS every year.

The latest macOS version is Monterey, and if you have already updated your system to macOS 12, these are a few hidden features you need to check out right away.

Convert photos on Mac

Often, you might find the backed-up pictures from your iPhone to your Mac have been copied in the HEIC format. Also, some pictures on the web are available only in the WebP format.

While you can convert HEIC to JPG and WebP to JPG on your Mac, Monterey brings a new feature allowing users to convert pictures without installing or downloading third-party applications.

You can right-click a WebP or HEIC image and convert it to HEIF, PNG, or JPG. The option is available when you right-click a picture and choose Quick Actions.

Customization of the mouse pointer

The MacBook’s cursor has always been uninteresting. In Monterey, Apple has added some personalizations so that the mouse pointer can appear more personal. Users can alter the fill color of the pointer by going to System Preferences > clicking Accessibility > clicking Display > clicking Pointer > clicking Point Fill Color.

AirPlay from iPad and iPhone to Mac

If you have a HomePod or an AppleTV, you already know the convenience of AirPlay. It can come quite handy when you can cast anything from your phone to another screen. Monterey enables users to stream videos, music, and photos directly from their iPad or iPhone to their Mac’s screen.

If you have an iOS 15 and macOS 12, you will see your Mac is already an AirPlay-compatible device. You need to choose your Mac from the AirPlay selection screen, and a window will appear. It would be best if you played it on full screen or PiP.

If you are streaming music from your phone, you can hear the music playing in the background of your Mac.

Customization and Memoji animations

Apple has extended its ability to personalize Memoji to the Macs. In Monterey, users can choose an outfit for their Memoji from more than forty offerings. You can also change its mood and style according to the season. Also, you can add accessories.

Moreover, interactive Memojis have been added to the Lock Screen. You can use a Memoji to set it as your Profile icon in Monterey. The Memoji will interact according to the location of the cursor. You can even customize it by going to System Preferences and choosing the Edit option under the Profile icon.

Take advantage of system-wide translation

Apple has expanded system-wide translation to Monterey, allowing users to translate any text on any application across the system by selecting the text > clicking Translate. So, you don’t have to go out of an app and search in Google to translate texts.

Save button for images in iMessage

In Monterey, the messaging application has become much more usable. Until now, users could only right-click or double-click on a picture received in iMessage to save it to the Downloads or Photos folder. In Monterey, you will find a save button right next to the picture message, and you can click it to save the picture.

Indicators for camera and microphone in use

In an attempt to make the user experience more identical across its operating system, Apple has brought the Control Center from iOS to Macs with Big Sur. Apple has brought the microphone and camera indicators from iOS to macOS with Monterey. So, whenever an application uses the camera or the microphone, you will notice an indicator at the top right. You can even choose which apps can use the microphone or camera by opening the Control Center.

Digital Legacy

Digital Legacy was introduced by Apple this year, and this feature allows users to securely pass their data like videos, photos, and other information to trusted people. You can add a Legacy Contact to your system by going to System Preferences > select the Apple ID > choose Password & Security > choose Legacy Contact > select Manage. It is recommended you only add trusted family members or friends as your Legacy Contact.

If you have an iCloud account, the Digital Legacy Contact added on your Mac will be synced with your iPhone, and you don’t have to add it again.

The bottom line

The list mentioned above consists of some of the hidden Monterey features you might have overlooked. It would be best to start exploring them right away to enhance your experience of using a Mac. Also, if you still haven’t updated your OS to Monterey, you should consider doing that soon.