MacOS High Sierra: What's new

New macOS High Sierra, which was released yesterday, is available on all the computers that support the previous version. A full list is as follows:

• MacBook (the end of 2009 and later).
• MacBook Pro (-of 2010 and later the middle).
• MacBook Air (-of 2010 and newer end).
• Mac mini (-of 2010 and later the middle).
• iMac (the end of 2009 and later).
• Mac Pro (-of 2010 and later the middle).

As the name implies, the update is an improved version of the previous MacOS. Nevertheless, it contains many changes and new features, many of which are not visible at first glance. However, this did not detract from their usefulness.

File system APFS

The new file system - it's just one of those "the-hood" improvements. Apple's own development aimed at increasing the efficiency of drives and is designed to increase their speed, security and reliability.

Currently APFS available only on solid-state SSD-drives. Support for traditional hard drives and hybrid Fusion Drive will appear in the next update. When installing macOS High Sierra automatically convert the disk from HFS + to APFS preserving all files. It works for both clean install and update with macOS Sierra or earlier.

The app "Photo"

It seems, Apple has listened to users' criticism and made a standard application for viewing photos more functional. In macOS High Sierra «Photos» received advanced editing tools and several useful innovations that make it more similar to their predecessors.

It became available update images plurality of parameters, including the correction of saturation and contrast of the image, and curves. The sidebar can hold more information, allowing to find and organize the collection faster. Now it is possible to simultaneously change multiple photos and apply effects to Live Photos. New topics have also appeared for the album "Memories".

Codecs HEIF and HEVC

New codecs for photos and video are now supported in iOS and MacOS, allowing more efficient use of device resources and disk space. Through the use of HEIF image compression format take up almost half the space on the disk. HEVC codec is designed to efficiently compress 4K video with minimal loss of quality.

The company has taken care of backward compatibility, so that the transmission of content to the device without the support HEVC HEIF and it will automatically be converted to JPG and H.264 respectively.

Metal 2

Starting with the new version of MacOS, support graphics API Metal, previously available on mobile devices, is now in Apple computers. In the future, it will give a performance boost in gaming and resource-intensive applications, as well as new opportunities for developers. While the benefits of Metal 2 can experience only the owners of iMac - on computers with large display interface system it becomes noticeably smoother.

Metal 2 also provides improved support for virtual reality on a Mac. And it concerns not only work with the VR-headset, but also with the possibility of creating this kind of content.

Safari

With each new update macOS Safari gets better. In addition to the overall increase in productivity, the browser has received a number of useful functions.

Apple disable the automatic playback of media content on web pages, protect users from annoying advertising and various promotions. There was a function Intelligent Tracking Prevention, through which disabled Tracking scripts, remember what you are looking for, and offering contextual advertising.

In addition, Safari is now remembers settings display different sites and automatically opens the page in Reader mode with adequate support.

Mail

The standard e-mail client in macOS High Sierra got even more intelligent search that analyzes user behavior and learns to issue the most relevant results. Mail remembers, what contacts you email most and which documents use attachments to provide exactly what you need.

Another innovation will appreciate the MacBook users with a small screen sizes: Now the app will automatically open the response form in the letter to the Split View mode when working in full-screen mode.

Notes

After iOS in the "Notes" on macOS also he has the opportunity to fix the dates of entry at the top of the list for quick access to them, as well as function insert tables that will be very useful for creating small reports directly in your notes without having to use Numbers.

Siri and Spotlight

With each new version Siri getting smarter, and her voice is more humane. In macOS High Sierra voice assistant has become a real DJ. Now he is able to match you with music and knows a lot about the executors.

A Spotlight learned to look for information on the aircraft for the flight number. Enter the number, and the search will show you the time of departure, terminals, delays and even the flight map.

FaceTime

Apple continues to introduce support for Live Photos in your ecosystem. Now on the Mac, you can not only view the animated picture, but also to create them. The corresponding function appeared in FaceTime, which allows you to save the memorable moments directly in talk time. Of course, the other person will be notified about the record and, if desired, be able to disable this feature.