This project transforms the macOS notch into an interactive command surface, offering media controls, system insights, and productivity utilities. It targets MacBook users with notched displays, providing a dynamic, non-intrusive way to access frequently needed information and actions through responsive SwiftUI animations.

How It Works

Atoll leverages native SwiftUI animations to create a dynamic interface that expands from the MacBook notch. It integrates various macOS features, including media playback controls with inline previews, Live Activities for ongoing processes, and customizable lock screen widgets. The system remains unobtrusive until interaction is initiated, expanding to reveal controls and data.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Installation: Download the latest DMG file and drag the Atoll application to the Applications folder. Launch the app and grant necessary permissions.
• Prerequisites: macOS 14.0 or later (optimized for macOS 15+), a MacBook with a notch (14/16-inch models with Apple silicon). Xcode 15+ is required to build from source. Permissions needed include Accessibility, Camera, Calendar, Screen Recording, and Music.
• Links: DMG download available via a link in the README.

Highlighted Details

• Comprehensive media controls for Apple Music, Spotify, and others, featuring inline previews.
• Support for Live Activities, including media playback, Focus status, privacy indicators, downloads, and battery/charging status.
• Customizable lock screen widgets for media, timers, Bluetooth devices, and weather forecasts.
• Lightweight system insight monitoring CPU, GPU, memory, network, and disk usage.
• Productivity tools such as timers, clipboard history, color picker, and calendar previews.
• Extensive customization options for layout, animations, hover behavior, and global shortcuts.
• Gesture controls for notch interaction and media navigation.

Maintenance & Community

Atoll is inspired by and builds upon several open-source projects, notably Boring.Notch for foundational code and Stats for system metrics. A Discord community is available for users. The project is backed by the iOS Development Centre, Apple, Infosys, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

Licensing & Compatibility

The project is released under the GPL v3 License. This copyleft license requires derivative works to also be distributed under the GPL v3, potentially restricting integration into closed-source commercial applications without adherence to its terms.

Limitations & Caveats

This application is strictly limited to MacBooks equipped with a notch and requires macOS 14.0 or later. Certain features depend on granting specific system permissions. Building from source necessitates Xcode 15 or newer.