A wave of indie macOS productivity tools is turning niche ideas into new defaults. From live streams that become screensavers to multi-launcher tech, the toolbox is expanding. An Open Source project, macos-live-screensaver, lets you turn wildlife cams, Times Square feeds, and other streams into a macOS screensaver [1].
On the window-management front, the conversation centers on getting transparent windows without sacrificing security. WindowTop and yabai are among the options discussed, with SIP concerns noted [2].
Terminal Shortcuts brings a tidy, native UI to run curated terminal commands. It targets macOS 15+ with a clean start, supports icons, sorting and search, and runs commands without scripting clutter. Pricing is US$19.99 for a lifetime license or US$2.99/month for a subscription; no analytics and it respects your existing shell config [3].
Parall — The Parallel App Launcher for macOS creates independent .app shortcuts that run multiple instances with separate Dock icons. It stays true to updates by avoiding full app copies and keeping shortcuts working after updates [4].
DockLock Plus now offers full Dock control with a built-in command-line interface, an official Raycast extension, full Apple Shortcuts support, and Universal Control compatibility. The update emphasizes automation and stability, with a sandbox-safe, automation-friendly architecture [5].
These tiny, nimble tools show the indie macOS scene is thriving—watch for new twists next.
References
Turn any live stream into your macOS screensaver - wildlife cams, Times Square, news feeds, etc. [Open Source]
Open-source macOS screensaver project converts live streams into screensavers; links GitHub repo.
View sourceMacApp Request: Request for window manager that lets you have transparent windows
Discusses macOS window managers, considers yabai, WindowTop as reference, SIP constraints, requests no-SIP options, links MacApp comparisons for mac apps.
View sourceTerminal Shortcuts — run saved terminal actions from a clean, native UI
Mac Terminal Shortcuts app; one-click CLI commands; macOS-native UI; tiered pricing; user feedback and subscriptions.
View sourceParall - The Parallel App Launcher for macOS
Parall launches macOS multi-instance app shortcuts; enables separate profiles and Dock icons; discusses compatibility with Chrome-based apps, Wavebox, Kiwi, Outlook.
View sourceDockLock Plus - The macOS Dock Finally Behaves
DockLock Plus launches improved macOS Dock control with CLI, Raycast, Shortcuts; compares to DockAnchor; outlines Pro prototype and sandboxing plans.
View source