How to fix Pock not showing in the Touch Bar?

Go to System Preferences > Keyboard, select 'Touch Bar shows App Controls,' and relaunch Pock. This is necessary because macOS defaults might override it, as mentioned in the Usage section.

Is Pock safe or does it collect my data?

Pock sends anonymous events via AppCenter for bug tracking, not marketing, but if you disagree, the README advises not to download it. Consider this if privacy is a concern.

Can I create my own widgets for Pock?

Yes, developers can use PockKit, as mentioned in the Developers section, to build custom widgets. Consult the PockKit documentation on the official site for guidance.

Pock vs BetterTouchTool for Touch Bar customization?

Pock is free and open-source with a focus on widgets like Dock and media controls, while BetterTouchTool is paid and offers broader automation features. Pock is better for simple widget management, but BTT suits advanced scripting needs.

What permissions does Pock need on macOS?

Pock requires permissions for accessibility and system controls to function fully. Refer to the permissions guide at pock.app/docs/catalina for detailed setup, as linked in the README.

How to uninstall Pock completely from my Mac?

Quit Pock, move the app from /Applications to Trash, and if needed, reset Touch Bar settings in System Preferences > Keyboard to restore default controls, as explained in the uninstall section.

Open-Awesome

Pock

MITSwift

A free, open-source widgets manager for the MacBook Touch Bar, providing quick access to controls and maximizing screen space.

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10.1k stars375 forks0 contributors

What is Pock?

Pock is a free, open-source widgets manager for the MacBook Touch Bar. It transforms the Touch Bar into a customizable panel with widgets like Dock, media controls, system status, and weather, helping users maximize their screen real estate by moving controls off the main display.

Target Audience

MacBook Pro users with a Touch Bar who want to customize their Touch Bar for productivity and quick access to system controls and information.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Pock because it's a free, open-source alternative to limited Touch Bar functionality, offering extensive customization, useful widgets, and a focus on maximizing screen space without commercial restrictions.

Overview

Widgets manager for MacBook Touch Bar

Use Cases

Best For

Customizing the MacBook Touch Bar with useful widgets
Maximizing screen real estate by moving the Dock to the Touch Bar
Quick access to media controls and system information
Adding weather forecasts and system status to the Touch Bar
Replacing default Touch Bar controls with customizable alternatives
Enhancing productivity on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Not Ideal For

Users without a MacBook Touch Bar (e.g., older MacBooks or other devices)
Environments with strict security policies that block third-party tools requiring extensive permissions
Users who prefer default Apple Touch Bar controls and minimal customization
Projects needing advanced automation or scripting beyond the provided widget set

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free and Open Source

Pock is always free with no commercial restrictions, allowing modification and contributions, as stated in the README's philosophy and license.

Customizable Widget Layout

Users can rearrange widgets via the 'Customize Pock…' menu and adjust settings to fit their workflow, enhancing personalization.

Useful Productivity Widgets

Includes widgets like Dock with badge support, Now Playing with gesture controls, and system status displays, providing quick access to essential functions as detailed in the widgets section.

Maximizes Screen Space

Designed to move controls like the Dock to the Touch Bar, freeing up the main display for applications, aligning with its core philosophy.

Cons

Data Collection Concerns

Pock sends anonymous events over AppCenter for bug tracking, which privacy-focused users might find intrusive, and the README advises not downloading if you disagree.

Complex Permission Setup

Requires adjusting system settings like Touch Bar configuration and granting permissions, which can be cumbersome, as noted in the Permissions and Usage sections.

Limited Widget Ecosystem

While PockKit exists for custom development, the built-in widget set is fixed, and community additions are sparse, hinted by 'More widgets are coming!' in the README.

Frequently Asked Questions

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