Why is a high split screen Mac clearer than win PC?

Q: Why does the same 2K-level high-resolution screen make Mac look clearer than a Windows computer?

Answer: This question needs to answer from two aspects.

One. Mac OS x uses pixel-merging optimizations, and Windows is only dpi-scaled

First, we know that with the same screen size, the higher the resolution, the larger the pixel density, which means more pixels. Then, if the text, icon in the system to simply follow the screen resolution and raise the resolution, there will be a phenomenon: they become smaller. For example, as shown in the figure above: in the 1366*768, 1920*1080 and 3840*2160 (4K) Three different resolution of the monitor, open the Windows built-in Calculator, because the Calculator application icon resolution is fixed, so the higher the resolution, its visual area is smaller.

Windows 8.1 Sets a larger zoom level for high split screens

So how does Windows system solve this problem? In Windows 8.1, for example, the system can support a maximum of 200% dpi scaling, while others also support custom dpi scaling, such as IE Explorer, to address the problem of small, high-resolution screen display elements to some extent. Note, however, that the keyword is "zoom", that is, the icon itself may still be the original resolution, zooming it up to 200%, and seeing the jagged phenomenon.

The effect of Calculator application at different zoom levels

How does Mac OS x solve the problem of high resolution screens? Similar to iOS devices, Apple uses a pixel-merging optimization, such as using four pixel points to display one pixel, and the other icon material resolution is higher, so it looks clearer.

Mac OS x optimizes pixel merging for high-resolution screens

In addition, whether it is the system or hardware, Apple is basically sold out, so it can be for a specific product for better optimization. However, Windows is a more open system, the need to work with major computer manufacturers to launch hardware, not only PC manufacturers, many brands, each manufacturer has many positioning different products, the mainstream screen resolution, including 1366*768, 1600*900, 1920*1080, 2560* 1440, 3200*1080 and so on, Microsoft is clearly unlikely to be like Apple, specifically for each resolution set specific optimization or icon resolution.

Two. Optimization of ecosystem and third party software vendors

Another problem is the software problems caused by ecosystems. Similar to the first reason, software vendors are not able to use a variety of Windows notebook resolution with a special icon and other materials, so on a high-resolution screen, only through the DPI-scale low-resolution software, there will be sawtooth, Blur and so on. In fact, this situation is similar to mobile platform Android, after all, the hardware resolution level is too much, software vendors need to consider the development costs.

Retina version of the Mac platform software has been up to nearly 300 sections

Similar to iOS platform, Apple is also equipped with Mac App Store for Mac, software applications need to undergo rigorous auditing, and Apple is actively encouraging software vendors to develop Retina adaptation applications. At present, support Retina screen Mac applications are close to 300, foreign application enthusiasts even made a retina version of the Mac application of the summary page (RETINAMACAPPS), you can see that there are no lack of Photoshop CS6, Dreamweaver CS6 and other big-name applications, more able to play the power of the retina screen.