Buzz
Most of us nowadays own a laptop running either Windows or MacOS. Our machines may have been with us for many years, performing various tasks and functions. However, how many of us can confidently say that we've explored every utility and feature that our devices offer?
1. Uncover 11 Intriguing Features on Your Laptop You Might Not Know About
The majority of us currently possess a laptop using either the Windows or MacOS operating system. Our devices may have accompanied us through many years, handling various tasks and operations. Yet, how many can assert that they have fully discovered all the utilities and features their devices bring?
Let's take a look at some useful features that most of us may not have heard of (or have forgotten). And who knows, after reading this article, one of them might become a powerful tool to assist you in your future work.
Activate Dark Mode
Dark mode has become a widely embraced feature across various devices, from mobile phones and computers to e-readers. It contributes to energy conservation (especially when using battery power) and enhances the overall user experience.
To enable Dark Mode on Windows, right-click -> Personalization -> Color, navigate to the Choose your default app mode heading, and select Dark. Instantly, the operating system and most applications on your device will switch to a dark background.
Live Stream Games Directly from Your Console
Streaming games from a PS4 or Xbox One to a laptop on the same Wi-Fi network has been a feature long before the introduction of Google Stadia. If you own a PS4, install the free and user-friendly PS4 Remote Play app from the Windows or macOS store. For Xbox users, connecting is even easier, as Windows has a built-in Xbox app for streaming games on laptops. However, macOS users need to invest $20 in OneCast for game streaming.
Pin Websites to the Toolbar or Taskbar
Similar to pinning apps or files, you can now save frequently visited websites to the toolbar or taskbar, enhancing efficiency in your daily tasks.
For a quick website pinning on Mac, users need to drag and drop the website URL from the Safari address bar to the right side of the toolbar. Windows users can achieve this by opening the website in the Microsoft Edge browser and selecting 'pin this page to the taskbar'.
Send SMS Messages via Phone
This is a convenient feature that is not widely known. Mac and iPhone users can easily send SMS messages if both devices share the same Apple ID and use the Messages app. For Windows and Android users, they can utilize this feature through Your Phone integrated into Windows 10 and by downloading a similar app on Android devices.
Currently, Your Phone supports iOS devices. Users need to download Microsoft Edge from the App Store and log in with the account used on their computer to successfully link the two devices. However, for sending messages from Android devices on a Mac, perhaps Android Messages web interface is currently our only choice.
Expand Workspace with Multiple Desktops
If your workspace allows, consider investing in a second monitor for optimal workspace utilization and convenience. Alternatively, explore the option of creating virtual desktops on your device instead of spending a considerable amount on an additional monitor.
MacOS users can create new virtual desktops by using the key combination Ctrl+Up or swiping with 4 fingers on the trackpad. Then, click on the '+' icon at the top right of the screen. On Windows, users select Task View on the taskbar (next to the search icon) and choose New desktop.
Dynamic or Scheduled Wallpaper Changes
This feature is supported by both Windows and macOS, but for macOS, it's much simpler: go to the Apple menu -> System Preferences, Desktop & Screen Saver -> Desktop photos, and choose Dynamic Desktop.
Adding dynamic images or videos as wallpapers on Windows is not as straightforward as it used to be. You'll need third-party apps for this functionality, and currently, Desktop Live Wallpapers is the optimal choice, although the free version only supports .wmv format videos. Alternatively, use DeskScapes with a $5 monthly fee.
Do not Disturb (DND) Mode
Do not Disturb has long been a feature on phones, but now we can use this mode on both Windows and MacOS platforms.
On Windows, right-click on the Start -> System -> Focus Assist to configure notifications for each application in the quiet mode. Then activate it in the Action Center by right-clicking on the notification icon -> Focus Assist.
For macOS, go to the Apple -> System Preferences -> Notifications -> Do Not Disturb to schedule turning on/off the feature. Alternatively, hold the Option key and click on the notification icon to temporarily activate the Do Not Disturb mode until you turn it off (or until midnight).
Notes for Screenshots
Nowadays, many developers create apps supporting screen captures, but the official tools on Windows and MacOS are always preferred for their compactness, ease of use, and, above all, the integration of convenient annotation tools in recent times, eliminating the need for third-party software.
For MacOS, use the key combination Cmd + Shift + 5 to capture a screenshot. Ensure that the selected image is in the Options menu after capturing, then you can click on the thumbnail in the lower corner of the screen to add annotations. For Windows, you can use the key combination Win + Shift + S to open the Snip & Sketch tool, capture and edit your screen capture.
Copy Across Devices
On Windows, right-click on the Start -> Systems -> Clipboard to enable the synchronization of copied and pasted data across different devices (linked by Microsoft ID). You can also activate the temporary memory option to store some files from here.
Similar to Windows, macOS users are equipped with 'Universal Clipboard' that works across different devices logged into a common Apple ID – without the need for any additional settings. Just ensure that Allow Handoff is activated in System Preferences under the Apple menu.
Wireless Screen Mirroring
If you want to project your laptop screen onto a larger display without dealing with complex wired systems, go to the Action Center, select Connect to search for available wireless devices (connected through the same Wifi network). Alternatively, you can also screen mirror using the built-in feature on Google Chrome.
For macOS, wireless screen mirroring is now easier than ever as most TVs from Samsung or Sony now support AirPlay 2. You can use this feature by clicking on the AirPlay icon in the menu bar to display active Apple TVs or other compatible devices. Of course, Chrome browser also supports casting on macOS: in the Chrome menu, select Cast -> Cast desktop and choose the appropriate device to mirror your Mac screen.
Harnessing the Laptop's 'Listening' Capability
To save time and effort when entering text manually, utilize your voice, and the laptop will transcribe what it hears quite accurately. On MacOS, go to the Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Dictation to activate the voice input feature. The default shortcut to enable dictation is to press the Fn key twice, or select Edit -> Start Dictation.
For Windows, you need to set up the spell checking feature in Settings -> Speech -> Ease of Access. Then use the key combination Win + H whenever you want to input characters without using your hands.
