While I continue to use my iPhone 12 Pro, I recently came across an app called NotchNook that changed how I interact with the Dynamic Island on my Mac. NotchNook brings the concept of the pill-shaped notch to the Mac and has the potential to enhance the way I use my Apple computers.
NotchNook caught the attention of my colleague at Digital Trends as well, and the app’s functionality is straightforward. By hovering over the MacBook’s notch, it expands slightly. Clicking or swiping down further expands the notch, revealing a black box (the “nook”) with controls for various apps and tasks.
I decided to try NotchNook for myself to see if it could really enhance the utility of the notch and become an essential Mac app.
Widgets and Workflows
NotchNook comes with default controls such as a “now playing” widget for Spotify or Apple Music on the left, workflows from Apple’s Shortcuts app in the center, and a “mirror” control for the front-facing webcam on the right. It also allows adding Live Activities that display information on currently running apps even in the shrunken notch position.
Additionally, NotchNook offers extensive customization options where widgets can be rearranged, dimensions adjusted, and various settings tweaked to suit individual preferences.
The Files Tray
One of the standout features of NotchNook is the Files Tray, which provides easy access to files for quick actions. Dragging a file over the nook presents options to drop it in the Files Tray for future use or share it via AirDrop. More functionalities like zipping files and compressing images are planned for the tray in the future.
Looking and Feeling Great
NotchNook’s animations add to its appeal, providing a visually pleasing experience. With subtle animations and smooth transitions, using NotchNook feels intuitive and engaging, similar to the dynamic interface on an iPhone.
For Macs without a built-in notch, NotchNook creates a handler with similar functions, ensuring a seamless user experience across different Mac models.
NotchNook shows promise with its current features, and the developer’s plans for future enhancements indicate its potential to become a essential tool for Mac users. A 48-hour free trial is available for users to explore NotchNook before committing to a subscription or purchase.
