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Mac App Store Debut vs Open-Source/Niche Tools: The MAS Release Wave and the Ecosystem of Alternatives

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Mac and IOS apps Store Debut

Proxly v1.4.0 lands on the Mac App Store, signaling MAS momentum for indie macOS tools. The update adds iCloud Sync (Beta), browser extensions, and a full MAS release with a one-time purchase and Family Sharing, no IAP gymnastics [1].

Proxly’s MAS debut shows distribution on Apple’s store can coexist with standalone sales. The MAS version includes profile support via ProxlyHelper, while the Gumroad version keeps the 7-day trial intact [1].

  • Pi Stats 3.0 — free/open-source and designed to visualize Pi-hole data; available on the Mac App Store and Gumroad, with GitHub hosting at Bunn/PiStats [4].
  • EasyPKG — lists and deletes installed PKG files; open source on GitHub, with cautions about private frameworks and safeguards [2].

Ecosystem of file managers and alternatives - Bloom — a relatively new, promising finder-like tool showing up in discussions about alternatives [3]. - QSpace Pro — feature-rich with batch rename ideas; users note a learning curve but praise its depth [3]. - ForkLift — paid but powerful, a recurring go-to in debates about file management on macOS [3][5]. - Dropover — a handy drag-and-drop assistant for quick handoffs [3]. - Double Commander — a Total Commander alternative mentioned in the same threads [5].

The MAS wave isn’t just a storefront story; it’s reshaping how developers distribute and how users weigh polished MAS apps against open-source and niche tools across ecosystems [1][3].

References

[1]
Reddit

Proxly v1.4.0 - Bold and beautiful - Browser routing app for macOS, now with iCloud sync, extensions, and Mac App Store release

Proxly v1.4.0 release; MAS now; new features; comparison with competitors like OpenIn/Velja; call for codes; Safari profile roadmap.

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[2]
Reddit

Release: EasyPKG – List or delete installed PKG files on your Mac

New Mac app EasyPKG lists and deletes PKG remnants; open source; sparking discussion on safety, comparisons with PearCleaner and UninstallPKG.

View source
[3]
Reddit

Newbie Mac Question - Finder

Mac Finder alternatives discussed; QSpace Pro highlighted, Bloom promising; pricing and batch rename debated; multiple tools mentioned in thread here.

View source
[4]
Reddit

Pi Stats 3.0

Pi Stats 3.0 Mac app release; open-source Pi-hole data tool; Mac App Store link; community queries about Homebrew and MFA.

View source
[5]
Reddit

Total Commander alternative for mac.

Post compares Mac file managers; recommends Double Commander alternatives like Bloom, ForkLift, Commander One; discusses ARM/Snapshot issues and free options.

View source

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