Latest macOS Monterey beta adds limited, unofficial support for Universal Control

1. Habitation
2. News
3. Software

Latest macOS Monterey beta adds express, unofficial back up for Universal Control

(Image credit: Apple)

macOS Monterey is due for a total release this fall, though many of its new features are already bachelor to cheque out in pre-release class if you're willing to install the public beta. Nonetheless, Universal Control is one of the most heady parts to this software update, and it's been missing from macOS Monterey beta — until now.

Thanks to developer Zhuowei Zhang (via MacRumors) we now know that a version of Universal Command with express functionality exists in macOS Monterey beta 5. Just turning it on requires you to muck effectually with your Mac'due south organisation files.

• Everything we know about the iPhone 13
• MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021: Rumored release date and cost
• Plus: Apple CEO Tim Cook may step down later one more big thing

But while the terminal version of Universal Command will supposedly allow you to use the same keyboard and mouse to control and move work between multiple Apple devices, the current version just works with Macs running the macOS Monterey beta. And information technology's not actually meant for public employ just yet, as Zhang had to manipulate some code in order to turn information technology on.

Universal Control will supposedly let you use one keyboard and mouse across multiple Apple devices, too as seamlessly elevate and drop media between them. (Image credit: Apple | YouTube)

When Universal Control works every bit intended, Apple tree claims it should permit you lot to place an iPad near your macOS Monterey device (a new Apple iMac 2021, for example) and move your mouse to the border of your screen nearest the external device, whereupon y'all'll meet a new cursor blitheness. If yous continue pushing your cursor confronting the edge of the screen it should move off and appear on your iPad'due south screen, allowing you to use your mouse and keyboard on the tablet. This should allow you to utilize your mouse and keyboard across multiple Apple devices, and even drag and drop files between them.

With Universal Control you'll see a little purlieus-breaking blitheness when you move your cursor near a device that it can be used with. (Epitome credit: Apple | YouTube)

It'south perhaps the almost futuristic new feature of macOS Monterey, and Zhang managed to get a express version working that lets you share a mouse and keyboard between Macs running macOS Monterey beta 5. He's published the files and instructions y'all'll need to practise the aforementioned thing on his Github page, and he took to Twitter to post a video of the feature in action alongside a cautionary annotation that "information technology's very unreliable, though — it took an entire 24-hour interval before information technology of a sudden started working."

How to enable Universal Control on macOS Monterey beta five

Commencement, a note of circumspection: this method appears to work only on Macs from 2016 or after, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switched on. Also, enabling this unofficial, express version of Universal Control in macOS Monterey beta v will involve changing some settings and modifying some files on your Mac. While it probably won't endanger anything, it'due south always a skillful thought to backup your Mac before trying something like this. You could use Apple tree's Time Auto service, or a reputable third-party service like Backblaze. Our guide to the best cloud storage solutions offers even more recommendations for y'all.

Once you're prepare to endeavor Universal Command, download the Ensemble.plist file from Zhang's Github page and motility it into the /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/ folder on your Mac. If the folder doesn't exist yet, just create it yourself.

You may also need to plough off System Integrity Protection in lodge to mess effectually with these files. To do that, first restart your Mac in Recovery mode, open the Utilities bill of fare and run Last. From there, type csrutil disable and hit Enter, and so restart your Mac. One time you're washed testing this Universal Control hack, re-enable SIP by following the same steps and typing csrutil enable when you launch the Terminal in Recovery Mode. Restart your Mac once more and all should be well.

Once y'all've successfully put the Ensemble file in the Domain folder (so it'south located at /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/Ensemble.plist) you lot should be able to restart your Mac and starting time messing around with Universal Command on nearby Macs — though you may need to link your chief mouse and keyboard to nearby Macs start by selecting them under Link Mouse and Keyboard section of the Add together Brandish system carte, accessible past going to System Preferences > Displays > Add together Display.

This version of the Universal Control feature appears very limited. In addition to non working on annihilation besides Macs, it won't currently let you lot drag and drop files between devices. However, if you lot tin can go it working you lot'll have yourself a glimpse of the glorious multi-Mac future in store for those who upgrade to macOS Monterey.

Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets similar Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. He currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide roofing all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/latest-macos-monterey-beta-adds-limited-unofficial-support-for-universal-control

Posted by: langleyscrit1962.blogspot.com

Share this post