After using the Simple version for a long time, macOS Monterey users are finally getting the first "big" incremental update for this year's version of the operating system. The new update is macOS Monterey 12.1 and contains some improvements as well as SharePlay. For those who don't know, it was Apple's biggest software feature for 2021. SharePlay has reportedly encountered quite a few bugs since its announcement. This resulted in Apple postponing projects on all platforms several times. However, now macOS users can finally experience this function.
SharePlay is now available in FaceTime on macOS, according to the Cupertino-based company, and the same will be rolled out to third-party developers in due course. SharePlay allows macOS users to co-watch shows, listen to new albums, or share their entire screen for co-authoring work documents. Apple says users can collaborate on Pages, an application for working with documents. However, Page's popularity among users is highly questionable.
Apple's biggest feature of 2021 - SharePlay - finally arrives in macOS Monterey 12.1
In addition, SharePlay on Apple macOS Monterey 12.1 will allow users to share Safari pages via FaceTime. The latter can be useful for collaborative web tasks, although at the moment Safari is the only supported browser that supports SharePlay. Apple also says that third-party app developers are phasing in to integrate SharePlay into their services.
The list of third-party apps currently offering SharePlay support via Facetime includes: Zillow, Night Sky, Translate Now, Navi, Ultrahuman, and Apollo for Reddit. Apple has also confirmed that support for HBO Max is coming soon. The list is small, but the situation may change significantly next year. At the end of 2022, SharePlay will become practically a consolidated feature.
Other features of the latest macOS update include the Apple Music Voice Plan. This allows users in India to pay a reduced fee of INR 49 per month. However, they can only use Apple's streaming service through Apple's Siri voice assistant. The update also introduces a number of new safety features for parents in the Messages app, according to the Cupertino-based firm. The goal is to protect children from talking or receiving inappropriate content from strangers or even familiar people. The Photos app has redesigned Memories and other software improvements.
The update is currently being rolled out to eligible devices. Thus, it will take several days to reach all devices in all regions.
