FaceTime gets more features on Mac
Video calls have become quite the norm for many people across the world. Apple with macOS Monterey is bringing Zoom-like grid layout for FaceTime group calls. FaceTime also gets spatial audio where voices in a FaceTime call sound like they are coming from where the person is positioned on the screen. Two other features that make FaceTime calls better are Voice Isolation, which eliminates background noise to ensure the user’s voice is crystal clear, and Wide Spectrum allows all the noise to come in so participants can hear everything. There’s also Portrait mode, a new feature in FaceTime and available in apps including Webex and Zoom.

AirPlay comes to Mac: Use it as a speaker or display
AirPlay is a rather cool feature in Apple devices but wasn’t available on Mac devices. macOS Monterey changes that. You can use the Sharing tab in System Preferences and set up AirPlay receiver option. You can play audio or stream something from the iPhone on a Mac device with macOS Monterey.

Focus Mode: A better form of DND mode on the Mac
Focus Mode is a big part of all OS updates across Apple devices. On the Mac, you can find it in the Control Centre icon and customise it as per your needs. You can set notification alerts depending on what you actually want to receive.

You can now find out which apps are using webcam and mic
An orange dot will pop up next to the Control Centre icon if an app is using your microphone. The dot turns green if any app is using the webcam. The feature will give you a better idea on which apps use the mic or webcam even when they might not be needed.

More iCloud features with iCloud+
Users get ‘premium’ features like Hide My Email, expanded HomeKit Secure Video support, and an innovative new internet privacy service, iCloud Private Relay, at no additional cost. Current iCloud storage subscribers will be upgraded to iCloud+ automatically at no additional cost

Live Text comes to Mac, Visual Look up also arrives
Live Text detects text in photos, including phone numbers, websites, addresses, and more, so users can copy and paste, make a phone call, open a website, and more. Visual Look Up helps users discover and learn about animals, art, landmarks, plants, and more in photos.

Maps on Mac get better with new features and details
Apple Maps may not be used by too many but macOS makes it better with more details across cities. Visually too Maps get a more immersive look on macOS Monterey

Safari gets a new look, more features
With Tab Groups feature, users can save and organise tabs and Tab Groups sync across Mac, iPhone, and iPad, so users can share tabs with friends and family. Safari also gets an optional compact tab bar design that gives users more space to browse.

Improve the battery life of your Mac
Low Power mode comes to MacBooks (2016 or later). This can be used to conserve battery and those with iPhones will be familiar with how this feature works.

Do more with the Notes app on Mac
A new feature called Quick Notes comes to Notes app with macOS Monterey. You don’t have to open Notes to use this feature and can use keyboard shortcuts to do so.