Edit It seems that Apple has now revoked the app’s signing certificate, meaning that the application can no longer be launched.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/2919904

The NightOwl application has existed since 2018 and is used to automatically switch between light/dark modes on the operating system. It is an alternative to the built in macOS automatic mode which only switches when the user steps away from the computer.

However, the application has been bought out by “TPE.FYI LLC” in late 2022 that forcibly joins your devices into a botnet for use of market research, without your knowledge (other than the TOS in small text on the download page) or express consent (this feature cannot be turned off, even when the app is quit). This is documented in their terms of service.

  • kratoz29@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Thanks for the alternative, I’m gonna check it out, as stock implementation from Apple sucks, as many other stuff.

    • weedwhacking@lemmy.worldEnglish
      22·
      1 year ago

      I disagree that the stock implementation sucks. For a “average Joe” user having light/dark mode change on you in the middle of use would be very jarring and not a good experience, and having it change many times throughout the day would also be a jarring experience especially if you don’t really know why. But that’s why the Mac is great - well thought out, simple built in options, and a wonderful ecosystem of great little apps like these for us power users that want more control :)

      • kratoz29@lemm.eeEnglish
        11·
        1 year ago

        Multiple times per day?

        Eh no, only when the sun goes down or up…

        What about implementing a notification with a counter like 5 seconds saying, triggering dark/light mode, accept decline?

        I’d prefer that whole lot more.

        • weedwhacking@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          1 year ago

          Implementing a featureset like dark mode buddy would result in switching many times a day (as you go between various lighting conditions)

          Apples implementation does it at sun rise/sun set, but waits for the user to sleep the computer so it only happens when you’re not actively trying to read something, which is the best for most people using macs as that would be jarring otherwise.

          • kratoz29@lemm.eeEnglish
            1·
            1 year ago

            Damn, you are correct, I totally missed it was ambient light based, I thought it was like Nightowl…

            Yeah I wouldn’t like that either.