macOS Ventura 13.1 update released with Freeform app, Advanced Data Protection and mo

[harlan4096]

Apple has released the macOS Ventura 13.1 update for eligible devices. It brings a new app called Freeform, Advanced Data Protection, and several security fixes in tow.



What's new in macOS Ventura 13.1Freeform app

Freeform is a new whiteboard app that allows users to jot down ideas, and get creative with drawings. It allows you to add various types of contents like photos, video, audio, documents, PDFs, URLs, map locations, sticky notes, drawings, etc.



Users may drag and drop content to Freeform from other apps, and preview it using Quick Look. The canvas resizes dynamically as you add more content on the board. It offers a variety of brush styles, color options that you can use to draw diagrams, shapes, add text, comments, etc. You can export a board as a PDF, or simply save it as a screenshot. If you have an iPhone or an iPad, you can draw on the canvas using your finger, or use the camera on these devices to add an image or a scanned document to the board. iPads that support Apple Pencil allow you to sketch images, scribble notes, etc.



Freeform supports FaceTime, so you can collaborate with your friends and colleagues to work on a board together. You can also invite users via email or by sharing a link, the app allows up to 100 users to work on the same board at a time. The app syncs its data to iCloud, though this option is not enabled by default. When you run the app for the first time, it will ask you whether you'd like you to sync it, you may change this behavior from the Settings.

Apple's Freeform app is available on Mac, iPad and iPhone. If you update your device to macOS 13.1, iOS 16.2 or iPadOS 16.2, the Freeform app will already be available on it. The best part is that the app is completely free to use.



Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

A week ago, Apple revealed various security options for its devices under a new setting called Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. It is now available for Mac, iPhone and iPad devices running on the latest OS version. The security feature adds end-to-end encryption for your data that is synced to iCloud, it protects 23 data categories including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos. You can read our previous coverage to learn more about Advanced Data Protection.



I have not tested Advanced Data Protection since it is not available in my Country. It is only supported in the U.S. as of now, and will roll out globally in early 2023. Please refer to the official support article to learn how to enable the feature. I'll give you the list of steps to follow to turn on the security feature, tread carefully.
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