Apple Adds New 'Hello' Screen Saver in macOS Big Sur 11.3

[MacRumors]

macOS Big Sur 11.3 includes a hidden "Hello" screen saver that appears to be designed for the new iMac models, but which can also be installed on any Mac that's running the 11.3 update.

As outlined by 9to5Mac, the new screen saver is not available by default, but with a simple set of instructions, can be accessed on even non-M1 iMac machines.

On a Mac running macOS Big Sur 11.3, follow these instructions:

1. Open the System folder.
2. Click on Library.
3. Click on Screen Savers.
   
4. Drag the "Hello.saver" file to the desktop.
5. Rename the "Hello" file to something else.
6. Double click the file.
   
7. Follow the instructions to install it.

From there, you should see the "Hello" screen saver added as an option in the list of Mac screen savers available in System Preferences > Desktop > Screen Saver > Screen Saver.

The Hello screen saver cycles through various colors, and there are several themes to choose from including "Soft Tones," "Spectrum," and "Minimal." Soft Tones uses the pastel colors introduced with the new iMacs and matching colored text, while Spectrum uses more saturated shades with lighter text. "Minimal" shows the "Hello" wording in black, white, and gray.

By default, the screen saver will display "Hello" in multiple languages, but you can force it to use only your native language by toggling off "Show 'hello' in all languages in the Screen Saver Options.

A "match system appearance" toggle is also available for use to match light and dark mode preferences.

Article Link: Apple Adds New 'Hello' Screen Saver in macOS Big Sur 11.3

 

[ErikGrim]

Cheers. We haven't had a new screen saver in a while so this is a nice addition.

 

[iGüey]

What I really want to know is if is safe to upgrade a MacBook Air 2017 to Big Sur, or if I rather keep on Catalina. I have read that some users have experienced speed and performance degradation. What do you think?

 

[Apple_Robert]

I haven't used a screen saver in years. I just use a hot corner to turn off my Mac screen when not in use.

If I did use a screen saver, I would use something other than "hello." It probably looks better on the bigger iMac screen versus a 13" Macbook.

 

[jclo]

What I really want to know is if is safe to upgrade a MacBook Air 2017 to Big Sur, or if I rather keep on Catalina. I have read that some users have experienced speed and performance degradation. What do you think?

It's perfectly fine on my 2016 MacBook Pro and has even improved performance over the prior OS in my experience.

 

[Picklefoot]

Ho-lee ****... FINALLY!

 

[ScreenSavers]

Nice- I added it a few hours ago already. Looks good on my M1 Mac Mini.

 

[sw1tcher]

Apple should buy the rights to the After Dark screen savers from Infinisys. 😎

 

[Biro]

Now THIS is the kind of innovation we want from Apple!

 

[Kung gu]

nice. good addition

 

[GSWForever8]

Beautiful!

 

[thefourthpope]

Apple should buy the rights to the After Dark screen savers from Infinisys. 😎

Can’t. Opens them to antitrust suits.

/s

 

[AgentOSX]

I would be extremely hesitant to deploy any software that will emulate the sheer ugliness of the new iMacs.

 

[DocMultimedia]

I truly miss the old After Dark screensavers running on my ancient Macs. I can't believe I'm actually excited for the release of 11.3 so I can get something new. Without a doubt my favorite was the one that blended from one sport event to another (such as a sprinter morphing to a discuss thrower). I can't even find images/videos of that one anywhere. I miss the creativity involved in such things. Computers/software are no longer considered innovative. Old man complaints.

 

[krfr]

What’s a screen saver? Haha jk

 

[adib]

Nice. Too bad people will have to go through unnecessary complexities to activate this screen saver (which is already taking disk space anyway).

In any case, "screen savers" are really "screen killers" now ever since the CPU has the ability to turn off the monitor (VESA Energy Star standard). Ever since then, the best screen saver is "Put Display to Sleep".

 

[saulinpa]

Nice how it treats multiple screens. Different colors/languages on each but still in sync.

 

[diego.caraballo]

In any case, "screen savers" are really "screen killers" now ever since the CPU has the ability to turn off the monitor (VESA Energy Star standard). Ever since then, the best screen saver is "Put Display to Sleep".

This! And let’s not talk about the huge waste of energy...

 

[code-m]

This! And let’s not talk about the huge waste of energy...

I see little to no point in a screensaver these days and even more so with a M1 Mac with instant wake from sleep. Seriously what is the benefit of this it should really be considered to be mothballed by Apple in the days of fast SSD’s and LED’s.

 

[ghanwani]

I don't see a Library folder when I open Finder and click the folder with my username. I do see it when I open up a terminal. Any idea what is going on?

I really like what Windows does with their screen savers by showing amazing photographs.

 

[ErikGrim]

I don't see a Library folder when I open Finder and click the folder with my username. I do see it when I open up a terminal. Any idea what is going on?

Library is hidden until you press option on the Go menu

 

[ghanwani]

Library is hidden until you press option on the Go menu

Thanks.

I'm on 11.2.3 and the "Screen Savers" folder is empty. Is that expected?

 

[ErikGrim]

Thanks.

I'm on 11.2.3 and the "Screen Savers" folder is empty. Is that expected?

You are in the wrong Library folder. Screen Savers are in the system library as it is available to all users.

The easiest way to get to it is just to do a Spotlight search for Hello.saver.

 

[Bustycat]

Nice. Too bad people will have to go through unnecessary complexities to activate this screen saver (which is already taking disk space anyway).

In any case, "screen savers" are really "screen killers" now ever since the CPU has the ability to turn off the monitor (VESA Energy Star standard). Ever since then, the best screen saver is "Put Display to Sleep".

Screen savers remain as a workaround for LCDs that cause image persistence.

 

[ghanwani]

You are in the wrong Library folder. Screen Savers are in the system library as it is available to all users.

The easiest way to get to it is just to do a Spotlight search for Hello.saver.

Thanks. I see the folder now. I won't have Hello.saver because I'm not yet on 11.3.