Software developers are reacting quickly to Apple's roll out of the ARM-powered Macs by adding native support for the M1 processors. Today, it's Zoom's turn.
Until now, running Zoom's video conferencing app on a MacBook or Mac mini with an M1 processor inside meant using the Rosetta 2 translation mode. It worked well, but not as well as a natively-supported Zoom client would. And by well I mean native apps run faster and require less power, meaning even better battery life for those long Christmas Zoom calls.
The release notes for today's macOS Zoom update include an entry titled "Support for Apple Silicon processor," with the description reading, "Zoom desktop client will better support computers with ARM CPUs. A separate installer is available for download in the Zoom Download Center." As the description states, you'll be able to download the new client from the Download Center page when it becomes available today.
The new version also includes enhanced cloud contact integration, nonverbal feedback options have been moved to the Reactions button, hosts and co-hosts can now utilize the raise hand feature, and full poll results can be downloaded once a poll has ended during a live session. Those concerned about security will also be happy to hear the “Only authenticated users can join” option is now in the right place—the Security section next to Passcode and Waiting Room options.