Packing more than 150 new features and improvements, AirBuddy 3 is now available for Mac, further expanding the app’s utility beyond managing AirPods and other nearby Apple devices. Here’s what’s new.
When AirBuddy launched in 2019, it offered an easy way to connect and manage AirPods on the Mac.
Since then, indie developer Gui Rambo has steadily expanded its utility to include not only other Bluetooth devices and third-party accessories, but also battery monitoring, device handoff between Macs, and automation.
AirBuddy 3 is now available, packing more than 150 new features and improvements, including a revamped design, new automation and customization tools, a Now Playing widget, and a more reliable Magic Handoff system, which makes transferring a Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, or Magic Trackpad between Macs faster and more streamlined.
As soon as users launch AirBuddy 3, they’ll notice a redesigned Action HUD, which can be positioned anywhere along the top of the screen and switched between large and small layouts. The app also features a redesigned Dashboard, with support for Liquid Glass on macOS Tahoe and later.
Back to the Action HUD, users can customize exactly what information it should display, including battery alerts. On MacBook models with a notch, supported events can also appear in a compact interface integrated directly with the camera housing.
For users who rely on widgets, AirBuddy 3’s custom set of widgets can be displayed anywhere on the desktop, providing information such as device battery levels, AirPods controls, and media playback.
Now Playing is one of the release’s biggest additions, letting users see artwork and playback information and control their media from the desktop, Lock Screen, Action HUD, or macOS widgets.
AirBuddy 3’s Now Playing widget is based on a custom-made implementation that supports layered depth effects, color-matched designs, and recent-content suggestions when nothing is playing. It can also be brought up on demand using a global keyboard shortcut.
And speaking of keyboard shortcuts, AirBuddy 3 significantly expands its automation capabilities. AppleScript can now inspect device and battery information, audio routes, listening and Spatial Audio modes, and even trigger actions such as connecting or disconnecting Bluetooth devices, toggling Audio Input Lock, opening the Dashboard, or starting a Magic Handoff transfer.
Shortcuts support has also been expanded with actions for activating, deactivating, or adjusting system features such as Dark Mode, True Tone, Night Shift, display brightness, Spatial Audio, paired Bluetooth devices, and Magic Handoff. Focus Filters can also prevent AirPods, Now Playing, and Battery Alert HUDs from appearing while a selected Focus is active.
One great addition of AirBuddy 3 is Audio Input Lock:
AirBuddy 3 adds Audio Input Lock, which keeps your Mac using the microphone or other input device you choose, rather than switching unexpectedly. Pick up to two preferred audio inputs, and AirBuddy will ensure one of them remains selected while the feature is enabled. Toggle Audio Input Lock from a global keyboard shortcut or Shortcuts action, and optionally receive an Action HUD notification when AirBuddy blocks a change.
Finally, amid dozens of under-the-hood improvements, AirBuddy 3 introduces a new mobile-device engine that more reliably keeps battery and charging information for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch up to date while reducing background CPU and power usage.
AirBuddy 3 requires macOS 14 or later, and it is available today for $20 (with localized prices in select regions) for new purchases, with free or discounted upgrades depending on when existing users bought AirBuddy 2. AirBuddy 3 will also be available soon as an update on Setapp.
To learn more about AirBuddy 3, follow this link.
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