Apple
Recently, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta, introducing a variety of new Apple Intelligence features. While some flagship tools like Image Playground and enhanced Siri capabilities are expected to be released next year, the new system offers a glimpse into the future of Apple Intelligence.
Upon the release of the beta version, two areas of Apple Intelligence caught my attention: Mail summaries and Apple’s Writing Tools suite. These features are among the most developed in macOS Sequoia and hold significant potential in enhancing user experience.
Despite the promising outlook, there are areas that require improvement. It is evident that Apple Intelligence is a work in progress and it is essential for Apple to continue refining and expanding its capabilities to ensure a seamless user experience.
Mail Summaries
One of the key aspects of AI is summarizing content, which is the purpose of the Summarize feature in Apple’s Mail app. However, there are some shortcomings that prevent it from being a top-tier tool.
The Summarize button in the Mail app is sometimes hard to locate, leading to confusion for users. Additionally, the summarization process can be slow, especially during the initial load. The formatting of the summaries could also be improved to enhance readability and visibility.
Writing Tools
In the absence of image-generation tools, the Writing Tools suite becomes a pivotal aspect of Apple Intelligence. These tools are seamlessly integrated into macOS, providing users with easy access across different applications.
While the Writing Tools showcase potential, there are areas that require refinement. The Proofread tool lacks transparency in showcasing changes made to the text, while the rewriting tools could benefit from additional functionalities such as a “reroll” option.
On the other hand, the summarization feature within the Writing Tools provides accurate and concise summaries, catering to various user preferences. Despite some presentation issues, the core technology behind Apple Intelligence shows promise.
As Apple continues to enhance its AI capabilities, focusing on presentation and user experience will be crucial in establishing itself as a leader in the AI landscape. While Apple Intelligence has made significant strides, there is still work to be done to match the advancements of other industry leaders like Google and OpenAI.