The New Updates

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic came into existence, it has caused mayhem all over. There have been plenty of changes throughout this period, in which the most important point is following the COVID-19 protocols. In these times, the two things that were most benefited are Sanitizer and Mask manufacturing companies, and the ever so reliable, Technology. We can only imagine what technology was at the beginning of COVID-19, and how long it has come since then.

In the world of laptops, mobiles and tablets, there’ve been two of the fiercest competitors you’d ever see: Apple and Microsoft. Both these companies have been successful of course, but their rivalry has taken technology to the next level. In the past one and half year, Apple has launched two new operating systems for Mac, while they’ve released multiple updates for iPads and iPhones. Microsoft, on the other hand, has made most of the online meetings, by improving their online-meeting app, Microsoft Teams. They’ve had several updates for Windows 10 operating system, but the time has finally come, for what we all waited for. The fearsome battle had gone to the next level, with Apple launching MacOS Monterey, and Microsoft launching Windows 11, the first OS since Windows 10.

Back in 2015, it was stated that Windows 10 would be the final version of windows. However, Microsoft rejuvenated the visual of windows through Windows 11. A couple of days ago, Microsoft released an 11-minute clip of Windows startup sounds. They also revealed that it’ll be free to update for people using genuine Windows 10, 8 and 8.1. A first major release in nearly six years, the new OS had some exciting new features. Microsoft Teams will be a default app available on the taskbar. Startup button doesn’t have tiles any more, and has pinned apps instead. The Task view feature is refreshed completely and it provides separate wallpapers for virtual desktops.

The biggest and most important change in this OS is Microsoft Store’s restructure. In the previous version, most apps weren’t available, or weren’t authentic, or needed to be paid for. The new version now allows users to download android’s authentic apps from the store, very similar to Apple’s ‘App Store’ policy. The taskbar was moved to the center of the screen, again similar to macOS. There are certain requirements for updating to Windows 11, and you can check if your PC is filling the criteria. Use the official PC Health Check (Upgrade to the New Windows 11 OS | Microsoft) App by Microsoft. If it meets all requirements, your PC will be able to update to Windows 11 when it’s available for use.

Now onto the macOS Monterey, the latest operating system available in the Apple world. Apple’s growth over the years is commendable, as they’ve launched 4 operating systems in the last four years: High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina and Big Sur, a mere seven months ago. Though macOS Monterey doesn’t have a lot of changes, it does have valuable enough features. Introduction to shortcuts in Mac, redesigned Safari browser, ability to share screen in FaceTime calls and share play which allows to share music or tv shows simultaneously and in sync. macOS Monterey also needs certain specifications, and if it doesn’t meet the requirements, maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

The battle between these two powerhouses has provided us with the best. In trying times such as this, we look forward to all technological developments, and both of them haven’t disappointed one bit. Be it Microsoft Teams for online meetings, or Apple’s ‘FaceTime’ for calls, everything has advanced a lot. The third party, Google, has also provided a lot of updates in this period: new interface for Gmail, online-meeting app Meet, Play store and online-storage cloud, Drive. We can hardly imagine what this world would be like without all these organizations. From browsers, email accounts, messaging apps to online cloud storage, Apple, Microsoft and Google have brought about change in this world. They may be arch-nemesis in terms of business, but the rivalry has provided the best for users. Until next time, stay safe, healthy, wear a mask and sanitize yourself.

Adios.