Maximising Productivity
with the Latest macOS Features

Focus Mode

What is Focus Mode?

Focus Mode is a powerful feature designed to help you concentrate on your tasks by filtering notifications and distractions. You can create custom Focus profiles for work, personal time, or exercise, ensuring that only relevant notifications come through.

How to Use Focus Mode

• Set Up Custom Profiles: Navigate to System Preferences > Notifications > Focus. Create profiles tailored to your specific activities.
• Automation: Set Focus profiles to activate automatically based on time, location, or app usage.
• Sync Across Devices: Focus profiles sync with your other Apple devices, ensuring a distraction-free environment wherever you go.

Quick Note

What is a Quick Note?

Quick Note lets you quickly capture thoughts, ideas, or links without interrupting your workflow. You can create a Quick Note from any app or website, making it easier to gather information and return to it later.

How to Use Quick Note

• Invoke Quick Note: Move your cursor to the bottom right corner of your screen or use the keyboard shortcut (Globe + Q) to open Quick Note.
• Link and Organise: Add links, highlights, and text directly into your Quick Note. All notes are saved in the Notes app for easy access and organisation.
• Contextual Awareness: Quick Notes: remember the app or website you were using, making it easy to pick up where you left off.

Universal Control

What is Universal Control?

Universal Control lets you use a single keyboard and mouse to control multiple Apple devices. This seamless integration makes switching between your Mac, iPad, and other devices easy without additional setup.

How to Use Universal Control

• Enable Universal Control: Go to System Preferences > Displays > Universal Control, and check the options to allow your cursor and keyboard to move between devices.
• Drag and Drop Files: Effortlessly drag and drop files between your Mac and iPad, or use your keyboard to type on both devices.
• No Configuration Needed: Universal Control works automatically when your devices are near each other and signed into the same Apple ID.

Shortcuts

What are Shortcuts?

Shortcuts is a powerful automation tool that allows you to create custom workflows to streamline repetitive tasks. Whether it’s organising files, sending emails, or setting reminders, Shortcuts can handle it with a simple command.

How to Use Shortcuts

• Create Custom Shortcuts: Open the Shortcuts app and browse through the gallery of pre-made shortcuts, or create your own from scratch.
• Automate Tasks: Set up automation rules to trigger shortcuts based on time of day, location, or app usage.
• Integrate with Siri: Use Siri to activate your shortcuts with voice commands, making it even easier to perform complex tasks quickly.

Enhanced Privacy Features

What’s New in Privacy?

MacOS now offers enhanced privacy features, including Mail Privacy Protection and App Privacy Reports, to help you manage your data more securely.

How to Use Privacy Features

• Mail Privacy Protection: Go to Mail > Preferences > Privacy and enable Mail Privacy Protection to hide your IP address and prevent senders from knowing when you’ve opened an email.
• App Privacy Report: Access System Preferences > Privacy > App Privacy Report to see how apps use your permissions and data, giving you greater control over your personal information.

Conclusion

The latest macOS features are designed to enhance your productivity by simplifying tasks, reducing distractions, and providing powerful tools for automation and organisation. By fully utilising Focus Mode, Quick Note, Universal Control, Shortcuts, and enhanced privacy features, you can create a more efficient and secure working environment. Explore these features today and see how they can transform your workflow and boost productivity.