{
  "id": 450363,
  "title": "Your MacBook trackpad can now purr like a cat, and it’s surprisingly convincing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/your-macbook-trackpad-can-now-purr-like-a-cat-and-its-surprisingly",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-10T08:12:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Trends",
    "slug": "digital-trends",
    "url": "https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/your-macbook-trackpad-can-now-purr-like-a-cat-and-its-surprisingly-convincing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MacBook trackpad now offers a purring sound, thanks to an innovative app called PurrPad. Developed by Francesco Pavanetto, the app utilizes the Taptic Engine found in MacBook trackpads, creating a purring effect when you rest your hand on the surface. The vibration pattern is designed to mimic the actual pitch of a cat's purr, with six distinct cat personalities to choose from. The free version includes the House Cat, which purrs when you place your hand on the trackpad and occasionally becomes restless or defensive. For $4.99, users can unlock additional personalities, such as Kitten, Old Tomcat, Nervous, Falling Asleep, and Making Biscuits. Users can customize the app's settings, adjusting the vibration strength, affection level, and even turning off the zoomies feature. PurrPad is distributed directly from the developer's website, signed and notarized for safety, and only makes one network request for updates. The app doesn't collect any personal data, making it a private and safe option for cat lovers looking for a purring experience on their MacBook. While the vibrations are realistic, the purring doesn't always activate as expected, but it's a solid alternative for those who appreciate the soothing sound of a cat's purr.",
  "summary": "A developer has found a wonderfully weird use for the MacBook's trackpad. PurrPad uses its built-in haptics to make your trackpad purr like a cat, complete with different personalities, customizable affection levels, and even zoomies.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}