The arrival of macOS Sonoma has allowed Apple to enrich the videoconferencing experience, with the possibility of embedding the speaker in parallel with the shared screen. Today we explain how to take advantage of this feature.
Launched in 2023, macOS Sonoma took a further step towards users of video conferencing tools. Through this version, Apple has deployed a feature of inlaying the speaker, simultaneously with the shared screen, during video exchanges. The latter allows, among other things, to make the speaker in question appear in a small floating bubble, in parallel with the shared screen, so as to better embody the presentations – particularly in a professional context.
A function that is all the more practical as it allows a second arrangement. To provide more space for the speaker, it is possible to frame the shared screen, so as to arrange it, as in the visual above, next to the speaker. You are then placed in the foreground, in full view of the other participants, with the shared screen in an inset next to you, in the background.
Let’s see together how to activate this functionality, in a few clicks, during a video conference on FaceTime, or on Zoom… because yes, this function is not only reserved for Apple software.
How to use split-screen overlay in video conferencing on macOS Sonoma?
- Start a video call using FaceTime, Zoom, or another compatible app.
- Click the Video button in the menu bar, then click “Screen sharing“.
- To use the overlay, click again on the same Video button.
- Then choose a size for the speaker inlay in the “Speaker inlay“.
- The desired overlay is then displayed automatically.
- To stop the speaker from appearing, click the Video button again, then “No” in the section “Speaker inlay“.
Note that while Zoom is compatible with this function, this is not the case for all videoconferencing applications. If you cannot find an option to embed the speaker via the “Video» from the menu bar, the application in question is simply not eligible.
On the other hand, some compatible applications also offer virtual backgrounds. Please note that when the speaker overlay is activated, these virtual backgrounds are automatically deactivated. Your real background is therefore displayed on the screen in its simplest form. A point to keep in mind if you are transmitting from a messy room, for example.
Last clarification: the speaker inlay is eligible for Apple video effects. You can therefore take advantage, if you wish, of the “Studio lighting”, dynamic correction of the framing with “Centered frame» or even reactions.
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