Synaptics Unveils a Game‑Changing Beta for M1 Mac Users
Hey Mac enthusiasts! Quick update from Synaptics: they’ve just rolled out a beta version of the DisplayLink Manager for macOS that finally lets those M1‑powered Macs rotate their external monitors. That’s right—no more pin‑pointing the pivot angle on HDMI output.
What the Beta Brings
- Full rotation support for any connected display.
- Optimized for the M1 chips that keep the visual lag at bay.
- Compatible with the popular DisplayLink adapters found on 13‑inch and MacBook Air models.
The Synaptics rep is excited: “Beta testing has gone smoothly—every test machine threw about 90 degrees of freedom without dropping a frame.” If that sounds too good to be true, you can let your keyboard “try” it out with a simple settings tweak.
Why This Matters for M1 Macs
Apple’s hardware guides often say you shouldn’t expect seamless multi‑display setups on the M1 line, yet the community has found ways to push the envelope. These new adapters pair perfectly with the geriatric M1 air and 13‑inch laptops, letting you maintain a vice‑style workflow and still keep that extra screen in a chat‑tyred orientation.
Looking Ahead
Synaptics has earmarked December for the official release, after the beta shatters the expectations of the beta testers and pulls no negative surprises. So bring your Mac, set your monitor to rotate, and dive into a sharper, more flexible desktop for the holiday season.
Get the Hang of External Displays on Your M1 Mac
The latest beta of DisplayLink Manager brings a slick new way to juggle external screens right from your M1 Mac. Whether you’re stuck in a corner of a meeting or binge‑watching two shows side‑by‑side, the software lets you flip between portrait and landscape modes with a few clicks.
What’s Inside the Beta?
- Full support for macOS Big Sur and macOS Monterey.
- Easy download straight from the Synaptics website (no hidden fees).
- Seamless pairing with your M1 Mac – no extra cables, just plug in and go.
Connectivity Without the Extra Gear
Most MacBook Pros can run multiple displays natively thanks to the power of the M1 chip stack:
- M1 Pro – triple‑glamour: two external monitors are all you need.
- M1 Max – the ultimate multitasker: up to four external screens, all wired off your laptop.
- For the 16‑inch and 14‑inch models specifically, the 16‑inch can handle two. The 14‑inch? Also two, unless you install that extra DisplayLink adapter for the sweet extra pair.
That means you can switch from a spreadsheet to a movie in portrait mode without breaking a sweat, and ditch the messy array of cable‑killing adapters.
Why Go With the Beta?
It’s a great test drive if you’re tired of your monitor angles feeling stuck. The beta is packed with real‑world usage data, so you won’t just click a button and wonder “Did that actually work?” It’ll flip the bug out of your day with a real visual upgrade.
So grab the beta, try it out, and get ready to upgrade your desktop experience from drab to fab in just a few clicks.
