macOS 27: Chỉ cần gõ prompt để tạo luồng Shortcuts tự động, giao diện thống nhất hơn

Key Concepts

• macOS 27 Beta: The latest operating system version being tested.
• Liquid Glass: Apple’s design language for UI elements.
• Apple Intelligence: The AI framework powering new features like image editing and automation.
• Shortcuts: Automation workflows now enhanced by natural language processing.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Technology used for calendar event creation and shortcut generation.
• Foreground/Background Focus: Visual cues in the UI to distinguish active applications.

---

1. UI/UX Design Enhancements

The macOS 27 update introduces several refinements to the "Liquid Glass" design language aimed at improving clarity and consistency:

• Toolbar Refinement: Toolbars now feature a thin border, providing better visual separation from the rest of the interface.
• Tab Bar Clarity: When scrolling, tab bars now display a distinct separator line instead of the previous translucent gradient, making them easier to identify.
• Sidebar Simplification: The sidebar has returned to a more traditional, flat design, moving away from the "floating" frame style. This update is automatically applied to all apps using SwiftUI without requiring developer intervention.
• Transparency Control: A new slider in Settings > Appearance allows users to manually adjust the transparency level of UI elements, offering more flexibility than macOS 26.
• Unified Corner Radius: Apple has standardized the corner radius for all application windows, ensuring visual consistency even for apps that haven't been updated by developers (e.g., Visual Studio Code).
• Focus Indicators: Active (foreground) apps now feature a colored sidebar, while background apps shift to a darker, gray tone to help users identify their current focus.

2. AI-Powered Image Editing

Leveraging Apple Intelligence, the Photos app has received significant upgrades:

• Object Removal: The tool is now highly effective at removing unwanted subjects and filling the background with contextually accurate textures (e.g., replacing a person with a toy shelf).
• Image Extension: Users can expand the frame of an image; the AI generates new content to fill the empty space, which is useful for adjusting composition.
• Reframe: Allows users to change the perspective or angle of a photo. While the feature is powerful, the reviewer noted a minor bug in the macOS version regarding frame retention that requires feedback to Apple.
• Quality Settings: Users can choose between "Fast" (lower quality) and "High Quality" (slower processing, better detail) modes.

3. Automation via Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app has been transformed by AI, making automation accessible to non-technical users:

• Natural Language Creation: Instead of manually building complex workflows, users can simply type a prompt (e.g., "detect file type and move to relevant folders"). Apple Intelligence then generates the necessary steps and logic.
• Model Selection: The system now allows users to choose between different AI models, including on-device processing, Cloud, and Cloud Pro, providing more control over privacy and performance.

4. Natural Language Calendar Integration

The Calendar app now features improved natural language detection. Users can type phrases like "Lunch at 11 AM on September 8th," and the system automatically parses the date, time, and title to populate the event fields, significantly reducing manual input time.

---

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Usability vs. Aesthetics: While some users criticize the new UI for looking "old-fashioned," the reviewer argues that the increased clarity and ease of use make these changes a positive step forward.
• Developer Efficiency: The reviewer highlights that Apple’s move to standardize UI elements (like corner radii and sidebars) via system-level updates is a major benefit, as it ensures a consistent experience without requiring developers to manually update every app.
• Accessibility of Automation: The integration of AI into Shortcuts is presented as a "game-changer" that lowers the barrier to entry for automation, moving it from a niche power-user tool to a mainstream feature.

---

Synthesis and Conclusion

macOS 27 Beta focuses on two primary pillars: visual consistency and AI-driven productivity. By standardizing UI elements and integrating Apple Intelligence into everyday tasks like image editing, shortcut creation, and scheduling, Apple is making the OS more intuitive.

Important Note: As this is a Beta version, the reviewer strongly advises against installing it on primary work machines due to potential bugs and stability issues. Users are encouraged to wait for the official public release.