Mac adopts a cherished iPhone feature in Tahoe update, leaving the user unable to resist its constant use.
Live Activities Arrive on macOS Tahoe, Enhancing Cross-Device Productivity
With the upcoming release of macOS Tahoe 26 in the Fall, Apple is set to introduce a new feature called Live Activities. This simple yet powerful addition to the operating system aims to improve usability, especially in cramped spaces like Economy class.
Live Activities on macOS Tahoe work by mirroring the same feature from your iPhone, thanks to iPhone Mirroring, a Continuity feature. This means you can check real-time information from various apps, such as flight tracking, sports scores, and rideshare updates, without needing to fish for your phone.
When you click on a Live Activity on your Mac, it expands to show the full Live Activity. You can then quickly open the corresponding app on your iPhone via the Mirroring app to see more details. Compared to using Live Activities on an iPhone, the benefits on macOS Tahoe include persistent, unobtrusive monitoring, enhanced multitasking efficiency, and a more subtle, always-available view.
Live Activities on macOS Tahoe sit neatly collapsed in the menu bar, similar to the Dynamic Island on iPhone. They appear at the top navigation bar, near the right-hand side, when an iPhone is nearby, signed into the same Apple Account, and mirrors the same Live Activities you'd see on your phone.
Developers don't need to make any extra work for Live Activities to repeat from iPhone to macOS Tahoe. The public beta of macOS Tahoe 26 is currently available, but it may contain bugs and slowdowns. Live Activities can be easily dismissed, automatically expanding for major updates to save screen real estate.
In summary, macOS Tahoe's Live Activities greatly enhance cross-device continuity and productivity by bridging iPhone background task updates with a desktop environment. This small but super helpful tool excels in cramped spaces, making it a valuable addition for frequent travellers and busy professionals alike.
[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/05/apple-introduces-live-activities-on-mac/ [2] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/05/live-activities-on-mac-faq/ [3] https://www.apple.com/macos/tahoe/ [4] https://www.apple.com/ios/ipados/ [5] https://www.apple.com/continuity/
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- Engaging in a busy workday, you can leverage Live Activities on macOS Tahoe to keep tabs on your smartphones' gaming sessions, without disrupting your computing tasks.
- With Live Activities on macOS Tahoe, you can monitor the progress of your favorite esports tournament, even while you're working on gadget reviews or the latest technology trends.
