Update 8/7/2024 : agree to aLinkedIn post by the developer of NotchNook , an issue with the payment platform the developer use prevents sales of NotchNook . If you ’re thinking about purchasing this app , you should wait for update from the developer . This article in the beginning post on July 24 , 2024 .
If you buy a new MacBook lately , you in all probability have one with a notch at the top of the exhibit . As with the cutout on the iPhone , it ’s where the FaceTime camera is house , but unlike the newer iPhones , macOS does n’t have a Dynamic Island - similar feature where the cutout is used as a drug user interface anchor .
NotchNookshows that it can be done — the snick on the MacBook can be a more useful part of the UI . It basically adds a Dynamic Island - like UI to the menu block up with thing like media and shortcuts thingamabob , a file monument , and more . It has a luck of potential , but some aspects of the app could make you hesitate before install it .
The Nook section of NotchNook houses media controls, Shortcuts, and a FaceTime Mirror. you can swap out the media controls or Shortcuts for Calendar. You can also rearrange the order of these widgets and adjust the size of NotchNook.
The Nook section of NotchNook house medium control , Shortcuts , and a FaceTime Mirror . you may swap out the media controls or Shortcuts for Calendar . you could also rearrange the order of these widgets and adjust the sizing of NotchNook .
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NotchNook opens simply by moving the pointer to the MacBook ’s snick ( it also works with non - notched display , come out as a half - sized notch in the middle of the top of the screen door ) . It has two routine , with the first being the Nook where you may get at media control , shortcuts that you ’ve make in the Shortcuts app , and a Mirror that trigger off the FaceTime camera so you may see yourself .
NotchNook asks for permission to access aspects of your data several times. However, the developer does not provide a privacy policy, so you don’t get the whole story as to what they do with your data.
The metier controls go with Apple Music and Spotify but I could n’t get it to recognize Podcasts or QuickTime Player . When medicine is playing , you could even employ two - finger horizontal swipe to move forward or back a track when the pointer is inside the notch . NotchNook also lacks volume controls .
NotchNook require for permission to get at aspects of your data several times . However , the developer does not provide a privacy policy , so you do n’t get the whole tale as to what they do with your information .
With the Nook , there ’s an option to substitute your Calendar for the mass medium controls or Shortcuts . Doing this , however , means you must grant NotchNook permission to get at your Calendar . If you ’re comfortable with that ( which I ’ll flourish upon in a chip ) , you ’ll be able to see the date and any appointments you have . swipe to the left and correct change the date in the Calendar timeline so you’re able to see other appointments , but you ca n’t found the Calendar app via NotchNook .
You can place several files in NotchNook’s File Tray. but when it comes time to remove them, you can’t select the whole group. You must click and drag each file one at a time.
The other NotchNook mathematical function is the Tray , which has a twosome of useful utilities . The first is AirDrop reenforcement — just haul a file to NotchNook , drop it in the AirDrop box , and the AirDrop user interface appears . The other is a Tray tabloid that ’s useful for go file cabinet . drop behind a document to the single file tray , and it ’ll add a copy without deleting it from its original locating . When you drag the file from the File Tray to the new positioning , the file cabinet go from the original place . you may have several files in the Tray , but there ’s no way to select more than one filing cabinet and move them to a location – you must move them out of the Tray one by one .
you may place several files in NotchNook ’s File Tray . but when it come time to remove them , you ca n’t select the whole group . You must click and tangle each file one at a time .
NotchNook has a duo of things about it that could make you think double about downloading . The first is its toll . It ’s a $ 25 undivided payment for a lifetime license ( it ’s not clear how long you ’ll be capable to get major software updates ) for role on up to five Macs . Or you may signal up for a $ 3 per month subscription for consumption on two macintosh . There ’s also a free 48 - minute test with no commitment , and sign up up for a subscription program include a 15 - day trial period . To soften the snow to your pocketbook , a 35 pct discount voucher is also uncommitted for anyone who concord topost something on X about the software .
[ Update 7/25/24 : the developer has postedNotchNook ’s privacy insurance . ] The 2nd curious aspect of NotchNook is the deficiency of a privacy policy posted on the developer ’s website . You wo n’t find a disclaimer like you do in Apple ’s App Store , so it ’s not decipherable if NotchNook collects data about you and broadcast it to the developer . It ’s a care , peculiarly since you want to allow NotchNook to gain access code to sensitive data , such as your Calendar . When I contacted lo.cafe , the developer of NotchNook about the privacy insurance policy , they suppose they are working on a insistence outfit to provide that entropy .
The options for NotchNook .
Overall , NotchNook offers an alternative style to access culture medium controls , your calendar , and AirDrop , though the macOS menu bar and Control Center already bid way to get to these control . Access redundancy is n’t a regretful thing , particularly if it ’s done in a non - intrusive way , and NotchNook does that . You might even prefer to access these features through NotchNook – if you do , then the toll is worth it .
If you ’re not convinced that NotchNook is for you , but are convinced that a Dynamic Island would be very useful on your MacBook , several other nick utilities are useable that you may try , though they are somewhat modified compare to NotchNook . MediaMate(€6.99 ) adds media controls to the notch , andNotchDrop(free ) uses the notch for AirDrop and a recent - file repository . Several apps can be used to hide or highlight the notch , too .
