First macOS Monterey 12.1 beta activates new feature

The first macOS Monterey 12.1 beta is out, and the update activates a nifty new feature we’re already familiar with from iOS 15.1.

Missing Features

Actually, the release of macOS Monterey was a little disappointing. Sure, we got some great features with it: a much-improved FaceTime, useful new features in Safari, the Shortcuts app, and more.

But the two most impressive features Apple announced were still missing. The first of these is SharePlay, which has been available on iPhone and iPad since iOS 15.1. The other missing function is universal control.

With the release of the first macOS Monterey 12.1 beta, at least one of these two features looks set to be coming to the Mac soon: SharePlay.

SharePlay in macOS Monterey 12.1 beta

SharePlay lets you share videos, music, and more during FaceTime calls. For example, you can watch the same movie remotely, completely synchronously. Or listen to that one new album together.

Moreover, with SharePlay you can easily share your own screen, for example, if you want to choose a restaurant together via Safari. In the macOS Monterey 12.1 beta, SharePlay is also enabled on the Mac. As a result, you can enjoy the bigger screen of your Mac when you watch a movie together.

And what about universal control?

Universal controls are unfortunately still nowhere to be seen in the new beta. This feature lets you use your Mac’s mouse/trackpad and keyboard at the same time as your iPad. You can also easily move the pointer between the two screens. This allows you to even drag and drop files from one device to another.

So this function will have to wait for a while. However, the feature may be included in the eventual release of macOS Monterey 12.1.

Source: 9to5mac