In brief
OS X Yosemite includes 10 useful hidden features: typing suggestions, 3D Flyover tours, remote Safari tab closing, contact muting, Dock repositioning, iOS8 screen recording, currency conversion, Trackpad signatures, screenshot sharing and Dark Mode.
Many Mac users have already upgraded to OS X Yosemite! Alongside its refreshed interface, features such as iCloud Drive, Handoff and enhanced Spotlight are appealing. Beyond these headline features, however, there are also various overlooked built-in and app features. Here are 10 features that make everyday use more convenient:
1. OS X Has Quick Type Too
A Quick Type feature similar to the one in iOS8 has been added. When typing English words, you can press ESC at any time to see suggestions. It also learns your typing habits and can remember non-English words you enter. At present, this feature works in writing apps such as TextEdit and Pages, but Safari is not yet supported.
2. 3D Flyover Map Tours
Apple Maps is steadily expanding its 3D coverage. In Yosemite’s Maps app, navigate to a supported area to start a 3D Flyover tour. It automatically takes you through the 3D map, letting you explore the city’s layout.
3. Close Safari Tabs Remotely
If you forget to close Safari before leaving your desk and are concerned about exposing information, you can now close its tabs remotely from an Apple device. Open the “Show All Tabs” view in Safari to close tabs on another device. This does not require Handoff; both devices simply need to be signed in to the same iCloud account. Synchronisation takes a few minutes, so the tabs do not close immediately.
4. Message App Can Be Muted
The new “Do Not Disturb” option lets you mute specific contacts.
5. Quickly Reposition the Dock
In Mac OS, you can set the Dock’s position in System Preferences. Yosemite adds a shortcut: hold Shift and drag the divider to change the Dock’s position.
6. Record the Screen of an iOS8 Device
Recording an iPhone screen previously fell somewhere between straightforward and difficult. Yosemite offers a simpler, more convenient method: connect an iOS8 device with a USB cable, then use the screen-recording application and switch to the iPhone screen to record it.
7. Check Currency Conversions with Spotlight
Spotlight search has been significantly enhanced and can also handle currency conversions. Simply enter an amount and its currency to see the converted result automatically.
8. Sign Using the Trackpad
Beyond controlling the mouse pointer, the Macbook’s Trackpad can now serve as a signature pad. In a photo-editing or email application, use the signature feature and choose to write with the Trackpad,
9. Capture and Share Screenshots Immediately
When using Messages App with someone who is also online, you can open Details and ask them to provide a screen capture, making it easier to help friends resolve computer problems.
10. Dark Mode
In the General section of System Preferences, select “Use dark menu bar and Dock” under Appearance to switch to Dark Mode. The menu bar and Dock turn black, while menus appear with white text on a translucent black background, making them easier to view than the original interface.