Using Reactions in macOS Sonoma Video Calls: A Guide

macOS Sonoma introduces a fun and interactive feature called “Reactions, ” allowing users to add graphical elements to their video calls. Whether you want to express excitement, raise your hand to speak or show your approval.

Reactions bring a new level of engagement to video calls on macOS Sonoma. Here’s how you can use this feature:

Automatic Reactions with Camera Recognition

1. Join a video call on apps like Zoom or FaceTime using macOS Sonoma.
2. Make one of the selected gestures in front of your Mac’s built-in camera or a third-party camera connected to your Mac.
3. Wait for the digital graphics to start playing behind, in front of, or around you.
4. The automatic reactions are available when using the built-in camera on Mac computers with Apple Silicon or the Continuity camera with iPhone 12 and later.

Note: The automatic reactions may take a moment to recognize the gesture, so hold your pose until the graphics appear.

Manual Selection of Reactions

1. Look for the “Reactions” app in the menu bar of macOS Sonoma.
2. Click on the app to open the manual “Reactions” panel.
3. In the panel, you will find a variety of reactions to choose from, including thumbs up or down and balloons.
4. Click on the desired reaction, which will immediately appear in your video call.

Note: The "Reactions" panel may vary depending on the apps you use and the activities you perform on your Mac.

Important Considerations

• Automatic reactions work best with the built-in camera on Mac computers with Apple Silicon or the Continuity camera with iPhone 12 and later.
• Reactions are currently supported in apps like Zoom and FaceTime during video calls.
• Some reactions, such as a raised hand, will remain on the screen until manually canceled through the Zoom app.

Beta Limitations and Improvements

• As macOS Sonoma is still in beta, there may be a slight delay between triggering a gesture and the Mac recognizing it. This is expected to improve in future updates.
• Ensure you have installed the latest macOS Sonoma beta to access the Reactions feature.

Experience Enhanced Video Calls

With Reactions in macOS Sonoma, you can make your video calls more engaging and expressive. Whether you opt for automatic camera recognition or manual selection, Reactions add a touch of fun and interactivity to your video conversations. Enjoy exploring and experimenting with this exciting feature in macOS Sonoma!