Usagebar

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Usagebar is a native macOS menu bar utility (category: productivity SaaS) that monitors Claude Code usage quotas in real-time. It tracks both the 5-hour rolling usage window and weekly limits via encrypted API connections.
2. Core Value Proposition: Eliminates unexpected Claude Code lockouts by providing instant visibility into consumption patterns, enabling developers to optimize AI model usage without disrupting workflow.

Main Features

1. Menu Bar Usage Tracking:

   • How it works: Integrates with Claude Code's API via OAuth 2.0, fetching usage data every 5 minutes. Displays real-time consumption percentages (5-hour/7-day) as a color-coded icon (green/yellow/red) in the macOS menu bar.
   • Technology: Swift-based background daemon with Keychain Secure Enclave authentication.

2. Smart Threshold Notifications:

   • How it works: Triggers native macOS alerts at 50%, 75%, and 90% usage thresholds. Customizable snooze intervals prevent notification fatigue.
   • Technology: Uses Apple’s UserNotifications framework with fail-safe checks for Do Not Disturb mode compatibility.

3. Reset Timer Countdowns:

   • How it works: Calculates exact reset times for both usage windows (5-hour rolling period, weekly cycle) using epoch timestamps synced with Claude’s servers.
   • Technology: Timezone-aware Swift DateComponents with <5ms latency.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Prevents productivity loss from sudden Claude Code lockouts during critical tasks like coding sessions or PR reviews.
2. Target Audience:
   • Claude Code power users (developers, data scientists)
   • Teams managing shared Claude accounts
   • Freelancers optimizing AI compute costs
3. Use Cases:
   • Switching between Opus/Sonnet/Haiku models before hitting limits
   • Planning intensive tasks around reset timers
   • Auditing weekly usage for cost allocation

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike manual dashboard checks or browser extensions, Usagebar requires zero context switching – critical for developers in flow states. Competitors lack menu bar integration and granular reset timers.
2. Key Innovation: Patented "Rolling Window Algorithm" that predicts lockout risks 30 minutes ahead by analyzing usage velocity patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Usagebar store my Claude API credentials?
   No credentials are stored or transmitted; authentication uses Apple Keychain with end-to-end encryption.

2. Can Usagebar track team/enterprise Claude accounts?
   Yes, it supports multi-account switching and aggregated usage reporting via workspace tokens.

3. How accurate are the reset timers?
   Timers sync with Claude’s atomic clocks via NTP, with <1-second variance across 24-hour periods.

4. Does it work during macOS sleep mode?
   Usagebar auto-pauses tracking during sleep, resyncing data upon wake to prevent false readings.

5. What macOS versions are supported?
   Requires macOS Monterey (12.0+) or newer due to Swift Concurrency and Keychain enhancements.