Note: Users running OS X 10.9 or later (including the latest versions of macOS) should use Start Usage Meter 2.6, which is available in the Mac App Store, built for the latest versions of macOS, and contains support for the newest Mac hardware
Start Usage Meter 2.5.8.1 has been released as a notarized app and is now available. It is an Intel app.
This update contains a few fixes for Start Usage Meter that have been backported from Start Usage Meter 2.6 (available on the Mac App Store for OS X 10.9 and later). This release has been checked and notarized by Apple.
SHA256 SUM (although unnecessary due to the fact that the binary is signed and notarized by Apple)
Start-Usage-Meter-2.5.8.1.zip – a1129fe051bcc2c5e9dc9b5fe08ae585d2938b7e216301bfdf2de267a6b3fb60
Start Usage Meter.app/Contents/MacOS/Start Usage Meter – 1b4abd4bbde01bb9e11beaeefd04a692371ef8bd4c2b893e1cd755ac3b8f36e1
Start Usage Meter 2.5.8.1 has been released as a notarized app for OS X 10.7 or later, available exclusively through my official website. As previously mentioned and planned, this marks the first version that will not be available through the Mac App Store since version 1.5. It contains back ported improvements relevant to its current feature set. Notably, this update:
- Fixes an issue where the daily usage window would not highlight the row representing today
FAQ
What’s notarization?
Notarization is a feature from Apple that allows me to send my app to Apple for confirmation that it does not contain malicious content or anything that will harm your computer. It essentially offers the security advantages of a Mac App Store app, outside of the Mac App Store.
Is the app still sandboxed?
Yes. Start Usage Meter 2.5.8.x is essentially the same version you’d find on the Mac App Store if I were able to continue to offer it with support for the older versions of macOS. As the app and tools evolve, I’ll need to split the app into two versions; however, the security aspects of the app remain the same (i.e. the app is sandboxed and verified by Apple). Any release outside of the Mac App Store moving forward will always be sandboxed and notarized by Apple for your security. Always make sure you download from either the Mac App Store or https://dwightd.com.
Why not just cut support?
I’m really happy about my ability to continue to offer the app for all users on all operating systems. I’d like to continue that for as long as possible, and Start Usage Meter 2.5.8.1 represents my attempts to make this a reality. It contains a bug fix that is available in Start Usage Meter 2.6 on the Mac App Store. Although I may not be able to port all new features back to 2.5.8 for older operating systems, I’d really like to keep it running smoothly and issue free.
Is it still a native app?
Yep! Everything about Start Usage Meter remains the same as the Mac App Store build. It is still a 100% native app written using native Apple tools and languages. It does not contain any Swift code to maintain compatibility with OS X 10.7.
Old icon?
Start Usage Meter 2.5.7 changed the icon to follow the macOS Big Sur design language. Since 2.5.8 was the last version to support OS X 10.7 and it contained the Big Sur icon, I’ve left it the same way in 2.5.8.1. That said, I have attached the 2.5.6 icon and you can copy it and paste it in the icon field by clicking the icon in the apps “Get Info” window.
Side note: the icon was slightly reduced in size in Start Usage Meter 2.6 to better match the rest of Big Sur. 2.5.8.1 contains the original, slightly larger, Big Sur icon introduced in 2.5.7.