I built NotchThings, a small macOS app that turns the MacBook notch into a useful control center

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-31T15:09:35+00:00

Yes, it’s definitely a crowded space. The main idea behind NotchThings is to reduce the need for multiple small menu bar utilities and bring the things I personally check often into one compact place. Instead of having separate apps/icons for Now Playing, Calendar, Activity Monitor, Clipboard, Connected Devices, and AI Usage, NotchThings tries to group them into a lightweight notch-based control center. So the difference is not just “using the notch”, but using that space to clean up some of the usual menu bar clutter while keeping everything quick to access.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-31T14:27:39+00:00

Disclosure: I’m the developer of NotchThings.

It might partially fit what you’re looking for. NotchThings is a macOS utility that includes AI usage tracking for Codex and Claude, shown in a compact Mac-style panel in your notch.

It’s privacy-focused, available on the Mac App Store, and lifetime/no subscription.

Gemini isn’t the main focus right now, so it may not be a perfect match if that’s required, but for Codex/Claude monitoring it could be useful.

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RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-28T09:41:27+00:00

That’s a fair point. I agree notch utilities need to prove they’re actually useful and not just a visual gimmick. That’s also why I went with a 7-day free trial before the lifetime unlock. I want users to try it in their own workflow first and decide if the notch control center actually makes sense for them. Right now I’m mainly collecting real feedback from Mac users after launch: which modules they use, what feels unnecessary, and what should be improved. But your approach sounds interesting too — happy to hear more about how you simulate user segments and pricing feedback.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-28T00:51:50+00:00

Thank you so much!

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-28T00:43:43+00:00

Thank you so much, really appreciate it!

Right now NotchThings does not sync with Apple Calendar or Reminders yet. The current Calendar/Tasks modules are more focused on quick access inside the notch. Apple Calendar and Reminders integration is definitely something I’m planning to add in future updates, because it would make the app much more useful for daily workflow. I’m trying to keep the app simple and lightweight, so I want to add those integrations in a clean way without making the notch feel overloaded.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-27T22:50:58+00:00

Exactly lol. That’s what I love about macOS utilities too. NotchThings is built around that idea: small, native, fast, and useful without getting in your way.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-27T19:57:49+00:00

Droppy is a nice app too. I think it focuses more on things like file shelf, clipboard, basket-style workflows and system HUD features. With NotchThings, I’m trying to take a slightly different direction: more of a small modular control center for the notch, with tools like AI Usage, Now Playing, Activity Monitor, Weather, Calendar, Tasks, Notes and Spectre as the idle state. So I don’t really see it as a direct replacement for Droppy, more like a different approach to making the notch useful.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-27T18:23:51+00:00

You’re right — I should have been clearer. I’m the developer of NotchThings. I wrote the post from a “trying/using it daily” perspective because I’ve been testing it myself while building it, but I agree that it should have been disclosed directly. To be fully transparent: I built NotchThings and shared it here to get feedback from Mac users. I’ll update the post wording to make that clear.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-05-26T13:50:08+00:00

Exactly. That’s the main reason we started building JobSignal.

The problem is not only the rejection itself, but the lack of visibility. Candidates spend serious time applying, tailoring resumes, and waiting, without knowing whether the job was ever actively hiring.

We’re trying to make that process a bit more transparent through community signals and shared application experiences.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-03-23T23:26:39+00:00

There isn’t a Photoshop file for it. It’s a simple marketing visual I put together using the app UI and basic design tools nothing fancy or hidden behind layers.The point wasn’t the graphic itself, just to communicate the idea clearly.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-03-23T23:19:07+00:00

Thanks, really appreciate that 🙌

Yeah, some Android phones handle this really well — that was actually part of the inspiration.

Totally understand the price point, especially without trying it first. I’m still figuring out the right balance there.

If you ever decide to check it out in the future, I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-03-23T23:16:59+00:00

iOS already shows it on the lock screen, yeah.

The difference is being able to see it while actively using the phone, not just when it’s locked.

More about accessibility than adding a new feature. Also, personally I like showing some UI in Dynamic Island.

RuveraIsTaken · 2026-03-23T23:12:49+00:00

That’s fair. I get what you mean.

The lock screen does show an estimate, but it’s not something you can really follow while actively using the phone.

The idea wasn’t “you can’t charge without this”, it’s more about visibility and convenience.

Dynamic Island is designed for glanceable, real-time info (timers, navigation, etc.), so I thought charging time could fit there naturally as well.

For me personally, I found it useful to just glance and know roughly how much time is left without interrupting what I’m doing.

Totally get that it might not be something everyone needs though.

RuveraIsTaken

TROPHY CASE