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Apple’s macOS Sequoia, released on September 16, 2024, has introduced a suite of innovative features aimed at enhancing productivity, creativity, and user experience on Mac devices. Among these, the upgrades to FaceTime stand out as a significant step forward in improving virtual communication. With macOS Sequoia, FaceTime now offers enhanced video conferencing tools, including customizable backgrounds, presenter preview, and seamless integration with third-party apps like Zoom and Webex. These features not only elevate the FaceTime experience but also make it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. This article dives deep into the FaceTime upgrades in macOS Sequoia, providing detailed insights, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips to help you make the most of these new capabilities.

Key FaceTime Upgrades in macOS Sequoia

1. Customizable Backgrounds for Video Calls

One of the most exciting additions to FaceTime in macOS Sequoia is the ability to change or replace the background during video calls. This feature, long available in competing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, allows users to maintain privacy or add a professional touch to their calls by hiding cluttered or distracting backgrounds. macOS Sequoia offers a variety of background options, including:

• Color Gradients: Smooth, professional-looking gradients in various hues.
• System Wallpapers: Pre-installed macOS wallpapers for a clean, cohesive look.
• Apple Park Scenes: Nine unique backgrounds showcasing iconic locations around Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, such as the rainbow arch honoring Steve Jobs.
• Custom Photos: Users can upload personal images from their photo library to use as backgrounds.

How to Change Your FaceTime Background:

1. Start or join a FaceTime call on your Mac running macOS Sequoia.
2. Click the Video menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Select Backgrounds to open the background options panel.
4. Choose from the available options (gradients, system wallpapers, Apple Park scenes, or custom photos).
5. For custom photos, click Add Photo and select an image from your Photos library.
6. The background will apply instantly, with Apple’s advanced segmentation technology ensuring accurate edge detection, so your hands and objects you hold remain visible without blending into the background.

Pro Tip: Unlike some third-party apps, FaceTime’s background replacement in macOS Sequoia is highly accurate, with minimal flaking or tearing around edges, even when holding objects like a phone or a cup. For best results, ensure your room is well-lit to enhance edge detection.

2. Presenter Preview for Screen Sharing

Screen sharing is a critical feature for presentations, remote collaboration, and technical support. macOS Sequoia introduces a Presenter Preview feature that allows users to see exactly what they’re about to share before broadcasting it to others. This ensures you don’t accidentally share sensitive information during a call.

How to Use Presenter Preview:

1. During a FaceTime call, initiate screen sharing by clicking the Share button in the FaceTime window.
2. A preview window will appear, showing the content (entire screen, a specific window, or an app) you’re about to share.
3. Review the preview to confirm it’s the correct content.
4. Click Share to broadcast the selected content to participants.
5. To stop sharing, click the Stop Sharing button in the FaceTime window.

This feature is not exclusive to FaceTime; it also works with third-party apps like Zoom and Webex, making it a versatile tool for professionals who rely on multiple platforms for video conferencing.

Use Case: Imagine you’re presenting a project to your team. With Presenter Preview, you can double-check that only the intended slide deck is visible, avoiding the embarrassment of sharing a personal email or browser tab.

3. Integration with Third-Party Apps

macOS Sequoia extends FaceTime’s new background and presenter preview features to third-party video conferencing apps, such as Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams. This cross-platform compatibility ensures a consistent experience across different tools, reducing the need to switch settings or apps for different meetings.

How to Use FaceTime Features in Third-Party Apps:

1. Open a third-party video conferencing app (e.g., Zoom) on your Mac.
2. Start a video call and access the video settings within the app.
3. Look for background or camera options (the exact name varies by app).
4. Select the macOS Sequoia background options, which should appear as part of the system’s camera settings.
5. For screen sharing, the Presenter Preview feature will automatically activate when you initiate sharing, similar to the FaceTime workflow.

Note: Some third-party apps may require specific permissions to access macOS Sequoia’s video features. Ensure you grant these permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.

4. Enhanced Audio Features with AirPods Pro 2

For users with AirPods Pro 2, macOS Sequoia introduces head gesture controls and improved audio features for FaceTime calls. You can now nod or shake your head to accept or decline calls, and Voice Isolation reduces background noise for clearer audio. These features enhance the hands-free experience, making FaceTime calls more seamless.

How to Enable Head Gesture Controls:

1. Pair your AirPods Pro 2 with your Mac running macOS Sequoia.
2. During an incoming FaceTime call, nod your head to accept or shake your head to decline.
3. To enable Voice Isolation, go to System Settings > Sound > Input and select Voice Isolation for your AirPods Pro 2.

Pro Tip: Voice Isolation is particularly useful in noisy environments, such as cafes or busy offices, as it prioritizes your voice over background sounds.

5. Live Captions and Translation (Coming Soon)

Apple has announced that macOS Sequoia will soon introduce live captions and real-time translation for FaceTime calls, enabling subtitles for foreign languages in your native tongue. While this feature is not yet available in the initial release, it promises to make FaceTime more accessible for multilingual communication.

Expected Workflow (based on Apple’s announcements):

1. During a FaceTime call, enable live captions from the Video menu.
2. Select your preferred language for subtitles.
3. macOS will display real-time captions at the bottom of the screen, translating foreign languages if needed.

This feature will be particularly valuable for international teams or users communicating with friends and family across language barriers.

Benefits of FaceTime Upgrades in macOS Sequoia

• Professionalism: Custom backgrounds and Presenter Preview allow for polished, distraction-free presentations, ideal for remote work or virtual meetings.
• Privacy: Hide messy rooms or sensitive items in your background with ease.
• Versatility: Seamless integration with third-party apps ensures you can use these features across various platforms.
• Accessibility: Upcoming live captions and translation features will make FaceTime more inclusive.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and system-level integration make these features accessible to all users, regardless of technical expertise.

Practical Tips for Maximizing FaceTime in macOS Sequoia

1. Optimize Lighting: Good lighting enhances background replacement accuracy. Use a ring light or position yourself near a window for natural light.
2. Test Before Calls: Always test Presenter Preview and background settings before important meetings to avoid surprises.
3. Update Regularly: macOS Sequoia receives frequent updates (e.g., macOS 15.5). Check for updates in System Settings > General > Software Update to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
4. Use High-Quality Images: For custom backgrounds, choose high-resolution images (at least 1920x1080) to avoid pixelation.
5. Combine with Apple Intelligence: Pair FaceTime with Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools to draft professional call agendas or summarize meeting notes.

System Requirements

To use these FaceTime features, your Mac must meet the following requirements:

• Operating System: macOS Sequoia (version 15 or later).
• Hardware: Compatible with Macs from 2018 and later, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. Some features, like Apple Intelligence, require an M-series chip.
• Camera: A built-in or external webcam compatible with macOS.
• AirPods (Optional): AirPods Pro 2 for head gesture controls and Voice Isolation.

To check your Mac’s compatibility, click the Apple icon in the menu bar, select About This Mac, and verify your model and chip.

Free Apps to Enhance Your FaceTime Experience

To complement FaceTime’s new features, consider these free apps available for macOS:

• OBS Studio: A powerful tool for advanced video streaming and recording, useful for creating professional-grade presentations during FaceTime calls.
• Hand Mirror: A free menu bar app that lets you check your appearance before video calls, ensuring you look your best.
• Krisp: A noise-canceling app that enhances audio quality for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps, similar to Voice Isolation.
• Rectangle: A window management tool that complements macOS Sequoia’s tiling feature, allowing you to organize FaceTime and other app windows efficiently.

Conclusion

The FaceTime upgrades in macOS Sequoia mark a significant evolution in Apple’s video conferencing platform, bringing it closer to industry leaders like Zoom and Microsoft Teams while maintaining Apple’s signature polish and privacy focus. With customizable backgrounds, Presenter Preview, third-party app integration, and upcoming accessibility features like live captions, FaceTime is now a versatile tool for both casual and professional communication. By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this article, you can fully leverage these features to enhance your video calls and streamline your workflow. As macOS Sequoia continues to receive updates, expect even more refinements to make FaceTime an indispensable part of your Mac experience.