Recently Popular Mac Apps (Issue #15)

May 30, 2024

Welcome to Macbed’s new apps introduction column. Here, we will introduce to you the latest and excellent Mac App. We also hope that you can share with us in the comment section the applications that you are interested in or enjoy using. Here are this week’s recommended new apps. The recommended apps will mainly be free apps.

1. Ollama – Get up and running with large language models.

Ollama is a platform that allows users to run large language models (LLMs) locally on their devices. It supports models such as Llama 3, Phi 3, Mistral, and others. The platform is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows, and enables users to customize and create their own models. Ollama simplifies the process of setting up and running LLMs, making it accessible for various applications like code completion, natural language understanding, and more.

2.Marta – File Manager for macOS.

Marta is a fast, native file manager for macOS, written entirely in Swift. It features extensive keyboard support, robust privacy protections, and compatibility with numerous archive formats. Marta is highly customizable, offering a streamlined configuration DSL and plugin support via an extensive Lua API. Additional features include multiple themes, quick file search, preview, task queue management, and a built-in terminal with directory synchronization.

3.QuickRecorder – A lightweight and high-performance screen recorder for macOS

QuickRecorder – A lightweight and high-performance screen recorder for macOS

Features/Usage:

You can use QuickRecorder to record your screens / windows / applications / mobile devices… etc.
QuickRecorder supports driver-free audio loopback recording, mouse highlighting, screen magnifier and many more useful features.
The new “Presenter Overlay“ in macOS 14 was fully supported by QuickRecorder, which can overlay the camera in real time on your recording (macOS 12/13 can only use camera floating window)
QuickRecorder is able to record HEVC with Alpha video format, that can contain alpha channel in the output file (currently only iMovie and FCPX support this feature)

QuickRecorder is free and open source on Github.

4.Ice – Powerful menu bar manager for macOS

Ice is a powerful menu bar management tool. While its primary function is hiding and showing menu bar items, it aims to cover a wide variety of additional features to make it one of the most versatile menu bar tools available.

Ice is free and open source on Github.

5.LocalSend – An open-source cross-platform alternative to AirDrop

LocalSend is a free, open-source app that allows you to securely share files and messages with nearby devices over your local network without needing an internet connection.

LocalSend is a cross-platform app that enables secure communication between devices using a REST API and HTTPS encryption. Unlike other messaging apps that rely on external servers, LocalSend doesn’t require an internet connection or third-party servers, making it a fast and reliable solution for local communication.

LocalSend has been released on the Mac App Store.