This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy.

This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy.

      Apple does not provide extensive customization options for Macs, but Glaze offers a solution.

      If you find yourself limited to customizing only your wallpaper, accent colors, and other basic features of your MacBook, you might want to check out Glaze, an indie application. The recent update, Glaze 1.9, can completely alter your Mac’s live display with over 50 GPU-powered visual effects. These effects include realistic representations of CRT monitors, Game Boy screens, worn VHS tapes, comic book styles, oil paintings, vintage film, antique paper, and even Sony’s Trinitron displays.

      Your Mac can finally imitate a CRT

      Glaze originated from developer Armaan Khan’s goal to digitally replicate the glow, curved glass, and scanlines of a classic CRT iMac. The effect overlays the live screen, ensuring that it remains visible across app windows, videos, browsers, and games, rather than disappearing when you navigate away from the desktop.

      The CRT preset can even surround the screen with an optional cream-colored monitor frame for a more dramatic transformation of the modern MacBook display. Users have the option to adjust the intensity of individual effects, including the degree of screen curvature simulation.

      Version 1.9 also introduces calmer Productivity looks designed for daily tasks. Comfort softens stark white interfaces, Midnight darkens and warms the display for nighttime use, while Color Correct provides several accessibility adjustments for color vision. The developer has stated that the accessibility mode will always be free.

      You’ll need to grant some permissions first

      Glaze requires macOS Screen Recording permission in order to access the live display before applying its effects. Khan assures users that the screen is not recorded, saved, or uploaded, with all processing occurring locally on the Mac. No account is necessary, and the app is compatible with both Apple Silicon and Intel hardware.

      According to the developer, Glaze typically uses between 100MB and 300MB of memory while relying primarily on the GPU for processing. Activating Low Power Mode can reduce available GPU performance by half, resulting in potential issues with demanding shaders, so users are recommended to disable it while running the app.

      There is a slight delay when switching between macOS Spaces. The new desktop becomes immediately usable, although the selected shader may take around a second to fully engage. Glaze is priced at $9.99 for a one-time purchase, which includes future updates and new effects. The Paper, Game Boy, and Prank Mode can be used indefinitely for free, while the paid license is valid for one Mac at a time and can be transferred between machines.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience in consumer hardware coverage.

      Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review: Dell’s classic Windows laptop makes a comeback, and it’s hard to put down

      The icon returns, showcasing its relevance

      Quick take

      Dell’s XPS series has always had a prestigious reputation. It is one of those Windows laptop collections that users recognize, even if they aren’t particularly into laptops. With a sleek design made from premium materials, sharp screens, and high-end components, the Dell XPS 14 DA14260 continues this tradition.

      Samsung’s secret AI chip could finally cool down Exynos phones

      Samsung's GAIA AI chip is debuting in laptops first, but its shared lineage with Exynos suggests a possible solution for phones in the future.

      If you’ve ever owned a Galaxy phone powered by Exynos, you know the routine: intense tasks like taking numerous photos in quick succession, gaming, or video rendering can make your device feel quite warm. During such times, the battery drains faster than usual as well. It seems Samsung may be developing a solution, and it’s coming in an unexpected form.

      Buying a monitor? This Mac app can identify problems before the return window closes

      Your new monitor might appear flawless, but it’s wise to double-check.

      Acquiring a new tech item doesn’t always guarantee that it works perfectly out of the box. A small Mac app named Screen Test can assist you in identifying defects before it’s too late. Screen Test (version 1.1) is a native macOS utility featuring over 25 patterns and diagnostic tools for assessing both built-in and external displays. It can help detect dead or stuck pixels, backlight bleeding, and other potential issues. The app operates completely offline, eliminating the need for web browsers or an internet connection, ensuring that every pixel is thoroughly checked.

This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy. This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy. This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy. This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy. This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy. This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy. This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy.

Other articles

Research indicates that Google AI's summaries are influenced by Facebook. Research indicates that Google AI's summaries are influenced by Facebook. According to BrightEdge research, Google AI Overviews mentioned Facebook 19.5 million times and considers each social platform as an authority. This has implications for brands. The early internet created a museum for fading tech sounds, and it surprisingly remains active. The early internet created a museum for fading tech sounds, and it surprisingly remains active. This charmingly retro online museum keeps alive the sounds of dial-up modems, floppy drives, Windows startup chimes, and other auditory memories that faded away as our devices became sleeker, quicker, and significantly less vocal. Google Frozen chip: Gemini embedded in the silicon. Google Frozen chip: Gemini embedded in the silicon. A report indicates that the Google Frozen chip will integrate Gemini directly into silicon, potentially achieving up to 10 times efficiency by 2028. This development could have significant implications for AI. Microsoft aims to prevent screenshot leaks, addressing the issue one Edge tab at a time. Microsoft aims to prevent screenshot leaks, addressing the issue one Edge tab at a time. Microsoft is addressing a security vulnerability that enabled sensitive PDFs to be intercepted within web browsers. However, this protection is initially available only for Edge users with an enterprise account. Interested in exploring film photography? Kodak's new camera priced at $35 is an excellent option to begin with. Interested in exploring film photography? Kodak's new camera priced at $35 is an excellent option to begin with. This $35 point-and-shoot camera simplifies 35mm film photography, featuring user-friendly settings and a sleek sliding lens cover. Security of AI agents: four July attacks linked by a common vulnerability. Security of AI agents: four July attacks linked by a common vulnerability. Over the course of ten days, four research teams exploited AI agents in four different methods, ranging from Claude for Chrome to memory poisoning. Here's an explanation of the security vulnerabilities in AI agents.

This Mac application can transform any window into a CRT-inspired surreal experience or evoke the nostalgia of a Game Boy.

Glaze 1.9 employs real-time GPU shaders to enhance every Mac window, video, and game, offering more than 50 different appearances for a one-time cost of $9.99.