AgentNotch

Product Introduction

1. Definition: AgentNotch is a native macOS menu bar application (technical category: AI telemetry monitor) that visualizes real-time activity from AI coding assistants like Claude Code and OpenAI Codex directly within a MacBook Pro's physical notch area.
2. Core Value Proposition: It eliminates context-switching for developers by providing immediate visibility into AI tool operations (file reads, code edits, shell commands) and cost metrics without interrupting workflow, optimizing productivity during AI-assisted coding sessions.

Main Features

1. Real-Time Tool Tracking: Monitors AI agent activities via OpenTelemetry Protocol (OTLP) on port 4318. Displays live tool executions (file reads, code edits, terminal commands) as pulsating indicators. Uses macOS Core Graphics for low-latency rendering.
2. Token/Cost Telemetry: Calculates input/output token consumption locally using per-API pricing models. Shows real-time cost estimates and token counts. Supports configurable display toggles via in-app settings.
3. Source-Aware Visualization: Identifies AI sources through telemetry metadata. Renders orange indicators for Claude Code, blue for Codex, and light blue for unknown origins using hardware-accelerated color coding.
4. Completion Detection: Triggers visual state changes (e.g., solid vs. pulsing icons) upon task completion. Monitors OTLP stream termination signals to alert users when AI processing ends.
5. Zero-Screen-Footprint Design: Leverages macOS Menu Bar APIs to embed UI in the physical notch (or standard menu bar on non-notch Macs). Expands details on hover via NSMenu widgets.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Developers lose focus when manually checking AI tool progress, leading to workflow disruption and inefficient resource use.
2. Target Audience: macOS-based software engineers using Claude Code/OpenAI Codex; technical leads monitoring team AI costs; prompt engineers debugging agent toolchains.
3. Use Cases:
   • Tracking Codex file-access patterns during complex refactoring
   • Auditing Claude's shell command executions for security compliance
   • Real-time cost control during extended AI coding sessions
   • Verifying AI task completion without switching from IDE

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike separate dashboard tools (e.g., LangSmith), AgentNotch uses hardware-integrated visualization requiring no screen space, unlike browser-based competitors needing active window focus.
2. Key Innovation: Patent-pending "notch-as-display" technology transforms dead screen space into functional telemetry UI. Native OTLP implementation avoids vendor lock-in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does AgentNotch support non-notch Macs? Yes, it defaults to the right-side menu bar on Macs without notches while retaining all functionality.
2. Is telemetry data sent externally? No. AgentNotch processes all data locally—no cloud transmission occurs per its privacy-first architecture.
3. Can I use it with custom AI tools? Yes. Any OTLP-compatible agent sending data to localhost:4318 will trigger the light blue indicator.
4. How accurate are cost estimates? Calculations use official Claude/Codex per-token pricing updated monthly. Discrepancies under 2% vs. actual API bills.
5. What if port 4318 is blocked? Change the port in AgentNotch settings and update your AI tool's OTLP endpoint configuration accordingly.