Tell - a Mac app that displays your system stats through floating 3D objects instead of boring numbers
Hey r/macapps - just updated v1.1.1 of Tell, my 3D desktop object app for Mac. Tell isn't for everyone - it's purely an aesthetic way to see your system stats. But if you're someone who finds it satisfying to have a beautiful 3D animation sitting on your desktop reacting to what your Mac is doing, this might be for you. Each module (CPU, battery, audio, network, shortcuts) displays your Mac stats through interactive 3D objects that float on your desktop. You can swap between themed object collections - Lab, Retro and Minimal. (im actively making new collections - taking on requests too) New in v1.1.1: Retro Battery - AA battery with live charge states. Plug in your Mac and a charging animation triggers. CPU Chip - shifts between green, yellow and red based on actual CPU load. Warning indicator drops when load is heavy. Over-Ear Headphones - floating, slowly rotating. Just looks nice. App Store version is $4.99 - covers the core experience across all modules. (update pending appstore approval....), The DMG version (free limited trial at trytell.app) has additional features Apple doesn't allow in the sandbox: Dynamic audio device detection - connecting headphones triggers animated earphones coming out of their case External drive detection - plugging in storage shows a USB animation Global hotkey control - quick access from anywhere on your Mac (to show or hide tell) Additional features not available on the App Store version Happy to answer any questions. Building this solo so all feedback genuinely helps. Would love to hear what other animated objects people would like to to see in the app! Refer video for a sped up quick demo. App store and DMG + free trial: trytell.app
Collected discussion
Looks nice! Very unique! An extension system would be nice, so that users can provide their own 3D extensions.
Could be a thought! It’s already quite niche so this would come later. Wiring up each 3D object to trigger states on system stats would be complicated to get work with user made object.
What's the idle CPU and memory footprint like? My hesitation with anything that lives on the desktop and animates continuously is the energy impact on battery. If it's low it's a no-brainer at $4.99 !
Around 11-12% CPU on idle however thats only if its visible, if hidden it uses nothing. So toggling it in view quickly with the hotkey assignment and virtually no memory or CPU are used
Super cool!! How is the resource consumption for this?
Appreciate it! Around 11-12% CPU and 250mb of memory. However depends on the 3D model, some can be more taxing than others. However if hidden no CPU is used!
Man, this is cool! I like it :)
Much appreciated!
Those 3d animations look absolutely gorgeous
much appreciated! I love making them!
This is sweet! I'll definitely give it a try. The animations look amazing.
The battery AA concept is fun. I'd love to see a collection themed around old desk objects lava lamp for CPU temp, desk fan spinning faster with load, that kind of thing.
Looks fun!
thank you !
how much cpu load does this have?
about 11-12% is displayed, no usage at all if hidden! Can vary slightly based on model complexity.
I just bought the pro version (bobGXXXXXX), but I can't see what the menu bar logo looks like (I am a menubar fiend, and I use Bartender Pro to keep them in check). Do you somewhere a image of it?, Danke in advance.
Hey, thanks for the support! It’s an old school radio SF symbol. You can see it in my clip! Any issues let me know
Very impressive graphic, how did you do it? What language are you using?
Tell is done entirely in swift and i used spline and blender fro 3D modelling.
The visualization is top notch 💯
looks very good and clean would love to have something like this
Appreciate it! Theres a limited free trial if youd like to try! I just updated Tell with interactive 3D desktop clocks today too!
This isn't working with Spotify, and there's no audio input options. Any way to get a refund?
Hey, send me a DM