Shared music controls
Control playback for Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music from one interface in the MacBook notch.
Netra
Netra is a macOS utility that adds Dynamic Island-style music controls, timed focus mode, and cursor-tracking eyes around the notch on supported MacBook models. It is intended for Mac users who want quick playback and focus controls without opening another window.
A Dynamic Island-style control surface for MacBook
Netra is a macOS utility that turns the camera notch on supported MacBooks into a Dynamic Island-style control surface. It places music controls and timed focus mode in the notch, while two animated eyes sit beside it and follow the cursor.
The app is designed for notched MacBook Pro models from 2021 onward and MacBook Air models with the M2 chip or later. It runs from the menu bar, with optional Accessibility and Automation permissions for expanded interactions with other apps.
Features
Playback details in the notch
View artwork and use play/pause and skip controls without switching back to a separate player window.
Timed focus mode
Start a timed focus session directly from the notch while working.
Cursor-tracking eyes
Two animated eyes beside the notch follow the cursor, blink, glance around, and change expression.
Menu-bar operation
Runs as a native menu-bar app and can be quit from the Netra icon in the menu bar.
Optional cross-app reactions
Optional Accessibility permission allows the eyes to react while you type in other apps; without it, they still blink and track the cursor inside Netra.
Use cases
Controlling music during focused work
Keep play, pause, skip, and artwork controls available in the notch while working in another window, reducing the need to locate the music player.
Starting a focus session
Begin a timed work interval from the notch when starting a short uninterrupted session without opening a separate focus application.
Adding ambient desktop feedback
Use the animated eyes as a lightweight visual companion while moving the pointer around the desktop; enable Accessibility if reactions while typing in other apps are wanted.
Managing multiple supported music sources
Use one compact control surface when switching among Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music rather than relying on separate playback windows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines music controls and focus mode in the MacBook notch.
- Supports Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music from the same control surface.
- Includes cursor-following eyes with optional reactions while typing in other apps.
- Provides a one-time purchase with lifetime access.
Cons
- Designed for MacBooks with a supported camera notch; the site does not describe support for other Mac models.
- The distributed build is not notarized, so macOS may require an Open Anyway step during installation.
- The product site does not publish a specific CPU or battery-usage figure.
FAQ
How do I install Netra?
Download the DMG after purchase, open it, and drag Netra.app into Applications. If macOS blocks the app, open it once, select Done, then use System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway.
Which Macs does Netra support?
Netra is built for notched MacBooks, specifically MacBook Pro models from 2021 onward and MacBook Air models with the M2 chip or later, as stated on the product site.
Which music services work with Netra?
Yes. Netra provides shared notch controls for Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Automation permission may be requested when it first communicates with Spotify, Music, or Chrome. YouTube Music artwork in Chrome may require allowing JavaScript from Apple Events.
Does Netra include focus mode?
Yes. Focus mode starts a timed session from the notch, so the session can be initiated without opening a separate app window.
How much does Netra cost, and is there a refund policy?
Netra is a $7 USD one-time purchase with lifetime access. Checkout is handled through Paddle and may display an equivalent local-currency amount. The site says refund requests should be sent to @Stillindraft on X within 14 days of purchase.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Mac productivity utility
- Platform
- macOS
- Hardware fit
- Notched MacBook Pro 2021+ and MacBook Air M2+
- Music services
- Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music
- Purchase model
- $7 USD one-time purchase; lifetime access
- Installation
- DMG download; drag Netra.app into Applications
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