BrewServicesManager – A menu bar app for managing Homebrew services

Built a simple macOS menu bar app to manage Homebrew services without using the terminal. Most existing tools felt stale or unreliable, so created this.

It simply does what `brew services` intended to do:

* Start, stop, and restart services from the menu bar
* See the status of all brew services at a glance
* Auto-refresh with a configurable interval

I made it for myself because I was tired of running `brew services` in the terminal. Plus I wanted to try SwiftUI. If you try it, I’d love your feedback.

GitHub: [https://github.com/validatedev/BrewServicesManager](https://github.com/validatedev/BrewServicesManager)

https://redd.it/1pvdcsf
@macappsbackup

Is anyone else dealing with mac offline playback issues

I download stuff thinking it’ll just work later and then suddenly it needs internet again or refuses to open.

Feels like local files aren’t really local anymore.

Am I misunderstanding how offline access works on mac or is this just the new normal?

https://redd.it/1pvd6wb
@macappsbackup

Merry Christmas everyone 🎄🎁

🎁

https://redd.it/1pveljv
@macappsbackup

Update Ahsk v2.1 - Added follow-up conversations for screenshot analysis and AI search

https://preview.redd.it/j9e5vgbijc9g1.png?width=1602&format=png&auto=webp&s=ad3b3927166f6253caba1818b4aa2f7dc0c9ff93

Hey r/macapps

Quick update on Ahsk - just shipped v2.1 with a feature many of you requested: follow-up questions.

What's New in v2.1:

Follow-up Conversations:

After analyzing a screenshot (⌥⇧S), you can now ask follow-up questions
Same for global AI search (⌥⇧A) - maintains conversation context
Natural back-and-forth dialogue instead of one-off queries
Conversation history persisted across sessions

Why this matters: Before: Analyze screenshot → Get answer → Want to dig deeper → Start over Now: Analyze screenshot → Get answer → Ask "Can you explain that part?" → Get clarification

Great for code reviews, design critiques, debugging screenshots, or exploring complex topics.

Previous Updates (last 6 weeks):

v1.0.9: One-click translation to 50+ languages
v2.0.0: Major stability improvements and bug fixes
Enhanced history with screenshot storage
Force menu with Option key for tricky apps

For those new to Ahsk: Native macOS AI assistant that works everywhere:

Select text anywhere → Get instant AI help
⌥⇧A: Global AI search from any app
⌥⇧S: Screenshot analysis with AI vision
⌥⇧D: Video downloader (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
Works in: Safari, Mail, VS Code, Notion, PDFs, everywhere

Technical Details:

Built with Swift (native macOS)
Uses Accessibility API for universal text selection
Local screenshot storage at \~/Library/Application Support/ahsk
Supports macOS 12+
100% free to start (100 credits on signup)

Download: https://www.ahsk.app/ahsk-v2.1.dmg

Full Changelog: https://www.ahsk.app/changelog

Would love feedback, bug reports, or feature requests! Been iterating quickly based on user input.

Thanks! 🎄

https://redd.it/1pvcpcz
@macappsbackup

Mailbird pro andbcon

I'm contemplating to install a free version of MailBird (just one account) and wonder the pro and con of this app. My main purpose is to have easy access to my Gmail account from my MacBook Air. TIA

https://redd.it/1pvgkp2
@macappsbackup

BetterDisplay Discount Code

Unfortunately, I lost the Black Friday code. Is there a code I can use to get a percentage discount?

https://redd.it/1pvhycs
@macappsbackup

(Feedback needed and source code)Wiggle the mouse the show the window

https://reddit.com/link/1pvd3tn/video/86ceij3r6y8g1/player

Just added this feature to my electron app and I really enjoyed building it , at first it was really challenging but simplifying and breaking it into small context pure functions I eventually achieved a clean implementation :

here is the feature is implemented , this is called in the main (this code is called .

Note : esm is a s singleton class that acts as my app's state manager

app.on('ready', async () => {

listenToMouseMovement(({inside,position})=>{
if (onMouseStopped(position) && !esm.mainWindow.isVisible()){
const hasTheThreeMoves= esm.mouseCursorPaths.length > 2

if(esm.enableCursorWiggleGestureToOpenMainWindow && hasTheThreeMoves){
const firstDirection=esm.mouseCursorPaths0
const secondDirection=esm.mouseCursorPaths1
const thirdDirection=esm.mouseCursorPaths2


if(firstDirection === "right" && secondDirection === "left" && thirdDirection === "right"){
handleShowTheAppWindow()
}
}

esm.mouseCursorPaths=

return
// at this step we don't need to record the gestures since the app is shown
}


recordMouseGestures(position)
// this functions records the gestures and adds to esm.mouseCursorPaths array
},esm.mainWindow );

});

logic checks :

esm.mainWindow.isVisible : we only want to check for the gesture if the app is not actually visible .
enableCursorWiggleGestureToOpenMainWindow : this controls wether the gesture feature is enabled or not . we set it to false in handleShowTheAppWindow , and on Escape click we set it to true after 100 ms , because 100 ms matches the onMouseStopped's threshold used to detect the if the mouse stopped . this prevents accidental triggers .

listenToMouseMovement :

since we don't have an actual event to track mouse move in electron , and personally I don't like using external libraries I used a simple interval check . the function is self explanatory I guess:

function listenToMouseMovement(callback,window) {
const id = setInterval(() => {
const cursor = screen.getCursorScreenPoint();
const bounds = window.getBounds();


const inside =
cursor.x >= bounds.x &&
cursor.x <= bounds.x + bounds.width &&
cursor.y >= bounds.y &&
cursor.y <= bounds.y + bounds.height;


callback({
inside,
position: cursor,
});
}, 8);
// ~60fps polling


return () => clearInterval(id);
}

trackMouseGestureDirections :

this is where we set mouseCursorPaths to an array of paths (eg : ["left","right","left"\])

let lastSampleTime = 0
const MAXPATHLENGTH = 3
const SAMPLEINTERVAL = 50
const MINDELTA = 50
// px, ignore jitter
lastX = null

function trackMouseGestureDirections(position) {
const now = performance.now()



// debounce sampling
if (now - lastSampleTime < SAMPLEINTERVAL) {
return esm.mouseCursorPaths
}
lastSampleTime = now


if (lastX === null) {
lastX = position.x
return esm.mouseCursorPaths
}


const dx = position.x - lastX
lastX = position.x


if (Math.abs(dx) < MINDELTA) {
return esm.mouseCursorPaths
}


const direction = dx > 0 ? "right" : "left"
const lastDirection = esm.mouseCursorPathsesm.mouseCursorPaths.length - 1



// collapse duplicates
if (direction !== lastDirection) {
esm.mouseCursorPaths.push(direction)
}



// keep only last 3
if (esm.mouseCursorPaths.length > MAXPATHLENGTH) {

esm.mouseCursorPaths.shift()
}


return esm.mouseCursorPaths
}

onMouseStopped :

let lastMoveTime = performance.now()
let lastPosition = null

function onMouseStopped(position) {
const now = performance.now()

if (!lastPosition) {
lastPosition = position
lastMoveTime = now
return false
}

if (position.x !== lastPosition.x || position.y !== lastPosition.y) {
lastMoveTime = now
lastPosition = position
return false
}

return now - lastMoveTime > 100
}

this setup can be easily built upon to even allow the user to enter their own gesture using the same functions . use trackMouseGestureDirections to record the gesture directions and save them , then later on onMouseStopped check against the saved gesture .

https://redd.it/1pvd3tn
@macappsbackup

I built a tiny Mac app to instantly declutter my desktop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3zHxsafce4

https://redd.it/1pvmk3v
@macappsbackup

OmniWM -Niri ispired high parity tiling WM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYfne_aqXnQ&list=PLOvpT5mq6q2vz5uw2o5V4vR2Aln0Ef569&index=1

https://redd.it/1pvnna8
@macappsbackup

Using the SHOTTR app

I’m trying to understand how to use this app.

It’s clearly a useful and wide-reaching app however when I try to markup a document, I have no success once choosing any of the markup options.

Eg. If I choose to (say) to place a rectangle or highlight text with a colour, all I get is the crosshairs but the intended markup edit is not applied. I end up back where I started. A I missing something - am I supposed to hold down a shift key or control key or something to apply these markups/edits? I’m sure it’s not supposed to be that hard?

I was hoping for a detailed Youtube instruction but not seems to exit. I’d just like to become proficient in the use of this app.

Suggestions (or help) would be appreciated.

https://redd.it/1pvppb7
@macappsbackup

I just released VideoSlimmer 2.0 (Offline video compressor for iOS/iPad/macOS) – looking for real feedback + 10 lifetime codes

Hello everyone 👋

I’m the developer of **VideoSlimmer**, and I’ve just released a major update - VideoSlimmer 2.0. This is an indie project I’ve been working on for a while, and I’m now hoping to get **real user feedback** for the next version.

**What is VideoSlimmer?**

* VideoSlimmer is a lightweight, fully offline video compression app that runs on **iOS/iPad/macOS**
* No internet required / No uploads.
* All video processing happens **locally on your device**.

**Key features:**

* Compress videos to reduce file size
* Batch video compression
* Import videos from Photos or Files
* Optional audio mute
* Preset quality levels (High / Standard / Low / Ultra Small)
* On macOS: more advanced compression options (bitrate, codec, resolution, frame rate, etc.)

App Store link:
👉 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/videoslimmer-compress-videos/id6743002603](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/videoslimmer-compress-videos/id6743002603)

https://redd.it/1pvqpi0
@macappsbackup

Thoughts on Al Dente vs BatFi vs Battery Toolkit for managing the battery?

Been doing research on which one is the best and cant really decide just want something to help manage the battery and cap it to 80% since thats better for battery health.

https://redd.it/1pvrw3e
@macappsbackup

Keyboard Maestro helped me macro a screenshot router

I built a screenshot router

Controlled chaos!


I often take dozens of screenshots and include them in various vibe coding sessions. This now calms down my screenshot collection by hijacking the screen grab hotkey on my mac: CMD + SHIFT + 4, and creating my own macro workflow.

Now I can be sure that my screenshots are a little more organized and not creating more clutter on my desktop.

I don't have to save everyone of my (temporary) screenshots anymore! I know you can do this in the original Mac screenshot workflow with a few extra steps. Without buying a paid screenshot app, how else would you label your screenshots as it happens so it doesn't immediately get lost?



I'll be happy to share the flow if you think this would be useful for you. It only requires Keyboard Maestro v11.



https://redd.it/1pvssqk
@macappsbackup

Safari alternative to "Global Speed" Chrome extension?

Hey everyone,  

I’ve been using the Global Speed extension on Brave browser and it’s been super handy. I am trying to switch to Safari and I’m looking for an alternative that offers the same two main features:

1. Custom Keyboard shortcuts for forward/backward skipping (e.g., jump ahead or back by a set number of seconds). I set Z and X keys for 5 secs skip
2. Universal functionality across all sites (not just limited to YouTube or a few platforms).

Does anyone know of a Safari extension or workaround that replicates this? I’d love to keep the same smooth video control experience without having to switch browsers.

Thanks in advance!


P.S. A good adblock also, Ublock lite is not effective on Many sites

https://redd.it/1pvsmlb
@macappsbackup

Is there an app that lets users set their own videos as screensavers but then pauses it as wallpaper?

Exactly like native wallpapers work on macOS already.

https://redd.it/1pvz91a
@macappsbackup

Any tips to make Ice work on macOS Tahoe (26) ?

Or, are there any other menu bar managers that work on the latest version of macOS?

https://redd.it/1pvzxjg
@macappsbackup

IRC client with file transfer

Hi,

I just changed back to a Mac after years. I need a good irc client with file transfer. I used Colloquy but it’s no longer free and has mixed reviews. What else is out there?

https://redd.it/1pw1s0o
@macappsbackup

Looking for early adopters: A native Mac utility for backups, compression, and PDF

I’m building a native app to handle those small daily tasks that usually force you to switch between multiple tools or browser tabs.

Key features:


\- Direct file backups to Gmail, Drive
\- Native video compression and PDF conversion
\- Optional AI analysis for files and text


I’m mainly looking for some real world feedback to see if the workflow actually makes sense for power users. I have a few free copies for the first few folks who want to help test it out - you can hit 'Get Early Access' at quikey.app (and feel free to DM me or reply here if you have any questions or just want to chat).

https://redd.it/1pw3ze2
@macappsbackup

Vibe-coded a lightweight macOS menu bar app for switching display resolutions, with Shortcuts integration

TL;DR: Made a no frills menu bar utility mainly so that I can easily switch my external monitors for my Mac to different resolution using Shortcuts. Links: source code, compiled release.

My use-case is to disconnect my secondary display and switch resolution for the main display to 1080p to game CrossOver with less display/resolution issues. Then easily switch both back on and restore the 1440p resolution on all displays. Initially used Lunar but the resolution mode change support does not work well and it always breaks.

So now with this utility I made, my shortcut is a lot more stable. I still use Lunar but only for disconnecting/reconnecting displays.

Code is open-sourced: https://github.com/peaz/displaymodemenu I recommend checking the code and compiling it yourself (extra benefit: self-signing with your own free Apple dev account avoids Gatekeeper warnings entirely)

Otherwise, a pre-compiled release can be found here but you will need to remove quarantine for the app.

Full details how it use it in the readme in the repo. Happy for any feedback and thought I share this free app.

Edit: Formating and link correction.
Edit: Added better clarity on self-signing app to avoid Gatekeeper quarantine issue.

https://redd.it/1pw4zh8
@macappsbackup

A Mega-Collection of Free Apps I've Installed and Tested

[Free Apps](https://preview.redd.it/ihdziscnmk9g1.png?width=260&format=png&auto=webp&s=cd4aec4e8cbbda8ed4cda6d44be334aa5b6c28b7)



If you're running short on cash after Christmas, but you still want to try out some new software, you can try a few of these apps. I've installed and tested them all at some point. The links will take you to a short review with download information. If you find a broken link or an app is no longer free, let me know and I';ll make a quick edit. If you're a developer with a free app, drop me a DM and I will be glad to check out your work and possibly feature you on AppAddict if it has some unique features the community would appreciate.

* [Permissions Reset 2 - Free Troubleshooting Tool](https://appaddict.app/post/permissions-reset-2-free-troubleshooting-tool)
* [Zotero as a Free PDF Library Manager](https://appaddict.app/post/zotero-as-a-free-pdf-library-manager)
* [UTM for Virtualization](https://appaddict.app/post/2025-03-23)
* [rclone - An Easy to Use and Powerful CLI](https://appaddict.app/post/rclone-an-easy-to-use-and-powerful-cli)
* [Syncthing - Free and Open-Source Cross Platform File Sharing](https://appaddict.app/post/syncthing-free-and-open-source-cross-platform-file-sharing)
* [Convert CSV Files to Markdown](https://appaddict.app/post/convert-csv-files-to-markdown)
* [Hop to Desk, a Free and Open-Source Encrypted Remote Access Solution](https://appaddict.app/post/hop-to-desk-desk-a-free-and-open-source-encrypted-remote-access-solution)
* [One For the Techies - SwiftDefaultApps](https://appaddict.app/post/one-for-the-techies-swiftdefaultapps)
* [Digikam is Replacing Apple Photos, Google Photos and Amazon Photos For Me](https://appaddict.app/post/digikam-is-replacing-apple-photos-google-photos-and-amazon-photos-for-me)
* [Change the Location of Notifications With PingPlace](https://appaddict.app/post/change-the-location-of-notifications-with-pingplace)
* [SmartBackup - Free, Fast and Foolproof](https://appaddict.app/post/smartbackup-free-fast-and-foolproof)
* [Pareto Security - Quick and Easy](https://appaddict.app/post/pareto-security-quick-and-easy)
* [Local Send - Easy to Set Up and Easy to Use](https://appaddict.app/post/local-send-easy-to-set-up-and-easy-to-use)
* [Using Joplin as a Reference Tool](https://appaddict.app/post/using-joplin-as-a-reference-tool)
* [Fmail2 for Fastmail](https://appaddict.app/post/fmail2-for-fastmail)
* [Stickier - Free Notes App with Power User Features](https://appaddict.app/post/stickier-free-notes-app-with-power-user-features)
* [Cog - Free and Open-Source Local Only Music Player](https://appaddict.app/post/cog-free-and-open-source-local-only-music-player)
* [Privileges - Operate Your Mac Safely](https://appaddict.app/post/privileges-operate-your-mac-safely)
* [Use KIWIX to Access Wikipedia and Other Resources Offline](https://appaddict.app/post/use-kiwix-to-access-wikipedia-and-other-resources-offline)
* [Librewolf for Security and Privacy](https://appaddict.app/post/librewolf-for-security-and-privacy)
* [Metadata Lab - Exif Editor](https://appaddict.app/post/metadata-lab-exif-editor)
* [Battery Monitor Health, Info](https://appaddict.app/post/battery-monitor-health-info)
* [Sandkorn - Comprehensive Information on Your Apps](https://appaddict.app/post/sandkorn-comprehensive-information-on-your-apps)
* [Privacy Badger Extension from the Electronic Freedom Foundation](https://appaddict.app/post/privacy-badger-extension-from-the-electronic-freedom-foundation)
* [Libation - Audiobook Downloader and Converter](https://appaddict.app/post/libation-audiobook-downloader-and-converter)
* [Captin Solves a Major Mac Annoyance](https://appaddict.app/post/captin-solves-a-major-mac-annoyance)
* [Shareful - A Free App I Use Every Day](https://appaddict.app/post/shareful-a-free-app-i-use-every-day)
* [Two Free Apps for Mac OS Installation Eas](https://appaddict.app/post/two-free-apps-for-mac-os-installation-ease)
* [Recents App for Mac - A Free Intelligent File