Overview
A small native macOS utility that previews live video from a USB capture device in a lightweight floating window. Built for the all-too-common workflow of poking at single-board computers with a $10 USB dongle instead of fighting with monitor inputs.
How it works
Uses AVFoundation to enumerate and capture from the first video device whose name contains USB Video. Renders the stream directly in a floating utility window with Daisy-style chrome: transparent titlebar, all-spaces behaviour, shadow, and movable window background. Window controls appear only on hover.
Features
Floating utility window
Transparent titlebar, all-spaces, always-on-top — stays out of the way until you need it.
Auto-source detection
Defaults to the first USB Video device; right-click to restart or switch sources.
Test card fallback
Shows a test card when no capture device is available.
Reproducible build
Single make command builds the app bundle at .build/USBVideoViewer.app; icon generated from source.
Architecture
Posts
2026-04-26
Notes for April 20-26