ctrlhq

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Notes from the notch

Notes from the team behind ctrlhq: working on a Mac, time tracking, focus and building a small native app.

ctrlhq's expanded MacBook notch showing today's tasks, a running timer and the calendar

· 14 min read

The 12 best Mac notch apps in 2026, compared

The best Mac notch apps in 2026, compared: ctrlhq, NotchNook, Alcove, free Boring Notch and more. Prices, macOS versions, features and who each is for.

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ctrlhq's notch counting down "Screen off in 5" before the display goes dark

· 7 min read

How ctrlhq keeps your MacBook running with the lid closed

Keep-awake apps stop working the moment you close a MacBook's lid. Here's why, and how ctrlhq's new screen-off and closed-lid modes get around it without leaving your Mac unable to sleep.

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ctrlhq's expanded notch showing today's tasks and a running timer

· 2 min read

Why we put a productivity app in the notch

Most to-do lists and timers fail the same way. After a week you stop opening them. Here's why ctrlhq lives in the one spot on your Mac you can't bury.

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ctrlhq's time report with tracked time by category

· 1 min read

Honest time tracking without a subscription

Timers are easy. Keeping the record honest when you walk away, switch tasks or forget to hit stop is the hard part. Here's how ctrlhq handles it.

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