MacOS Sierra Latest News and Update: Auto Unlock, Siri Integration and Storage Management Included in Upgrade; Availability and How to Download
Apple iOS 10 was launched last week, giving iPhones an upgrade. Now, Macintosh users are about to get an upgrade with the MacOS Sierra as well. Apple said that the MacOS Sierra update is a major revision, with lots of new features. Here are some of them.
Auto Unlock
One of the new features available in MacOS Sierra is called Auto Unlock. With Auto Unlock, you don't have to key in your password to unlock your MacBook's screen. All you have to do is place your hand near the screen while wearing your Apple Watch.
Siri Integration
MacOS Sierra has also brought Siri along with it, the virtual personal assistant that used to only be in Apple mobile devices like iPhone. Siri can help users send messages, find files, and look up information by just saying it to your Mac. You can even adjust computer settings like screen brightness, Wi-fi connectivity, screen saver, starting Face Time calls, etc. by asking Siri to do so.
Storage Management
Storage Management is one of the main focuses of MacOS sierra. Under Storage, you get several recommendations to free up some space in your Mac. For example, you can store in iCloud, which uploads some of your files to the cloud when you're running out of space. There are also storage optimization options.
Desktop and Docs in all Apple Devices
Just like Dropbox or Google Drive, your Documents folder and Desktop files get saved automatically in all your other Apple devices, including a second Mac if you have one. In your iPhones, those files will appear in an app called iCloud Drive.
Apple Pay
According to Tech Radar, many websites online are now accepting Apple Pay payments. This coincides with the MacOS Sierra release.
One example of a company that accepts Apply Pay payments in Time Inc. According to Jen Wong, President of Digital, "Offering Apple Pay as a checkout option for our products and services provides an easier, frictionless purchase for existing and new customers."
Availability
MacOS Sierra is only available to the following Mac models, and not older:
Mac Pro (2010 and above)
MacBook Air (late 2010 and above)
MacBook Pro (mid 2010 and above)
MacBook (late 2009 and above)
Mac mini (mid 2010 and above)
iMac (late 2009 and above)
To be able to download MacOS Sierra, your device needs to have the following specifications. First, it must run on OS X 10.75 or higher. Also, 2 GB RAM is required. Next, you should have free storage space of 8.8 GB. Finally, you should have an Apple ID.