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Mac OS High Sierra Review
Another wonderful day in the world of software. September 25th was the official release day of Apple’s newest software update, High Sierra.
The most recent hype from Apple has been the recent release of the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iOS 11. Little attention is spent on what once was the cornerstone to Apple’s success. For the longest time, The Mac has consistently wavered around 10 – 15% market share of all computers in the wild and experts do not see that number moving much as the future of Apple (and the world) favors mobile.
One of the most important purchases I have personally made in 2017 has been my MacBook Pro 15 inch Touch Bar. I purchased the middle tier option, leaving me with a hefty price tag and a touch bar that I rarely use. During Apple’s last announcement of the Mac OS, I was hoping Apple would discuss how we could get more use out of the Touch Bar. Unfortunately, users were disappointed. This review is to go over the most exciting parts of the new operating system and what you can look forward to when you decide to download the most recent Mac OS update.
To download Apple’s newest operating system, use this link to be directed to the MacApp Store.
Before I begin my review, I do have to put my former Apple lanyard back on and mention that you need to make sure your computer is completely backed up and the data is safe. You DO NOT want to lose any important information on your computer. I have been there and it sucks. Anyways, former lanyard back off.
Apple File System
The Apple file system has always been one of my most favorite functions of Mac OS. It’s easy to navigate or find a file that may be tucked away. Although there is not a significant difference in the way we search, I do like the added functionality of the “Recent” tab within Finder. Finder has always been my friend for all things search, more specifically the the “Spotlight Search.” I find myself constantly hitting the Command (or Apple button to those users that are old school Apple fans) and the spacebar. It loads a screen, as you can see below, and it allows you to search for essentially anything you want. In the video below, you will see a brief example of how I use my computer to find or locate a file that I most frequently use.
Although this is not a significant upgrade to the overall file search and structure, it is a setup for what’s next. And what that is has yet to be determined.
Virtual Realty, Metal 2, and 4k Video
Again, this is another setup for the future of Apple. Most new monitors have the functionality for 4k Video, but the additional of Metal 2 and virtual reality is important and will allow individuals who use virtual reality to explore on the Mac. Read more on Metal 2 or VR.
Safari 11
Do you have websites that automatically load a song or video? Well now, you won’t have to worry about crapping your pants when your headphones are in. Safari 11 helps with that. The other update to Safari is the ability to add content blockers and autofill efficiencies. The autofill is such a time saver for me. The ability to use my touch bar or the iCloud Keychain auto remembers my information allows a forgetful person to not worry about what their password or basic information may be. Thanks Apple! 🙂
From my overall assessment, Apple is trying to make your search on Safari a pleasurable experience that has little to no distractions. Which is good because in today’s world of content, there are distractions. I appreciate the additions, but they are by no means substantial.
Photos
Yet again, another photos update. Personally, I rarely look at my photos on a Mac. All I want to know is if they are properly synced and located on iCloud Drive to make sure I can obtain them at any time. I may have opened the photos app once or twice? If I am the anomaly I apologize to all you photo editors, but with the world going more mobile, the additional features of photos are nice, but is it really needed?
Siri
I tested Siri the same way I did on iOS 11 and it’s still not there yet. All of the same features and functions are not available on the Mac. One of the features that I am particularly excited about is the type to Siri feature. Sometimes when I am working, I don’t want to be distracted. Not only have I gotten rid of Siri on my Touch Bar, but the ability to not talk to Siri is a high bonus for me. I rarely use it, and when I am working in a quite office, I don’t want to be that guy belting out requests to Siri.
In conclusion, this update seems more or less like a “S” update. Similar to the iPhone 6s and it’s predecessors. High Sierra looks nice, I have a new background that I can use. (Yay?) I am not sure why I feel this way, maybe it’s the marketing behind Apple, but I get so excited for the software updates and update almost immediately, and my expectations are so high and then I am disappointed by the limited amount of “new things.” I shouldn’t feel the need to have new things, but I do. The Mac OS is the best software on the planet, yet I am unsatisfied for some reason. The positives, like everything else with Apple, it just works. And for that, I thank the software team at Apple. Apple’s setting us up for something truly remarkable and if I could guess, it involves the technology with the iPhone X.