Griffin PowerMate for Mac

Used Griffin PowerMate for Mac?

Griffin PowerMate Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Griffin PowerMate is a free utility application designed for macOS that enhances user productivity through customizable controls. This software allows users to assign various functions to the PowerMate device, enabling quick access to functions such as volume control, media playback, and other system commands. Its intuitive interface facilitates easy customization, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users who seek to streamline their workflow.

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The application supports a range of functionalities, including the ability to create macros and shortcuts for frequently used applications. Users can tailor the behavior of the PowerMate to their preferences, making it a versatile tool for enhancing efficiency. With its straightforward setup process, Griffin PowerMate integrates seamlessly into the macOS environment, providing a user-friendly experience that can significantly optimize daily tasks.

Griffin PowerMate for Mac

Used Griffin PowerMate for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 1, 2010

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 3.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X 10.5
Mac OS X 10.6
Mac OS X

Additional Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.0 or later

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 3,262

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

5/5

1 User Votes

Now where did I toss that old PowerMate?
griff--2008July 2, 2010
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Ah! Here it is! Welcome back old friend! And after making a few initial settings it seems to work just fine once again. What a welcome surprise! Those who never bought a PowerMate back in the day, are missing something rather special. I just hope the hardware shows up on the market once again.
Operates Now
macusApril 14, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Discovered the problem was USB Overdrive which had enabled the Powermate as well (as if it was a joystick.) Whe this was checked off, the device now operates as would be expected.
Still Does Not Operate
macusApril 14, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Again tried installing this. As suggested removed all traces of the 1.6.4 installation including the kext, the previous powermate preferences file and the receipt. Fresh install. The first time it was turned the volume changed, but after that totally inoperative. Not active in any other configured application. It is as if this is connected to thin air. Doesn't work for jacks**t.
Completely not work
SpelunkingHomunculusMarch 23, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Sheesh, It used to work, not it doesn't and when I try to reinstall 1.6.2 I get "you cannot install, there is nothing to install" Thank, Griffin!
Jeez
Mark PalmerMarch 17, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The interface was designed by a 5 year old. It's awful. Went back to the previous version.
New powermate
Gary ClaytonMarch 15, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Wow...the interface is just awful. Why should I need a user manual to set up a knob? Just sucks.
Another Year Later
VersionTrackerUserOpinionMarch 14, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Not in Marinabad. But right here. In my office. G5 2 ghz dual running latest OS. And guess what! PowerMate finally works again! Amazing. But it wasn't working for a very, very long time. And even now the interface is clunky and there are still bugs. In my prefspane Powermates window, for instance, there is an unexplained and unremovable "Error!" So what else is new? I guess we should be happy that Griffin is posting an update that gets the PowerMate back up and running. But the company is so notoriously horrendous at software support for its own products that it's hard to stir up much glee. Well, what the heck Ã¢?? 3 cheers for Griffin :-). Please keep the mediocre software updates coming. We love you for your hardware gadgets. Just wish you would put 1/10th the effort into your software interfaces. * Note: This is a review of the software, not of the gadget. The gadget itself is definitely kinda kewl.
Needs Work-Missing Features
dtgordon25_dotmacMarch 14, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I have been using this beta for a week, and although the settings do stick now, and configuring the actions of the powermate is easy, The prefernce pane is still missing some of the original features.: No Ability to control the pulse rate or brightness. Menu Extra-Waste of resources-Does nothing but disable the powermate completely. To enable the powermate again, youmust enter the preferene pane and check off show powermate in menubar.-LAME Would be better if you could configure prefs directly from menu extra then it would serve some purpose. Needs Work. Also when you twist the powermate, not only does it adjust the volume but the cursor moves.
Buggy. Developer is not motivated to fix problems.
MacBoulderMarch 23, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />It's a great little device. I love it when it works, but I have to unplug it and plug it back in every time I reboot, which I usually don't bother to do, so it usually doesn't work. I called tech support and they said, "yeah, that's usually the case." Oh well, I guess they are not much interested in making it work properly.
Disabled my device
ASLMarch 23, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Since I installed the new SW, all my PowerMate does is light up. Just a trifle epensive for a nice blue nightlight.

Developer’s Description

By Griffin Technology

Griffin USB multimedia controller software.

PowerMate functions beautifully as a convenient volume knob and mute button for music listening on your PC or Mac. But that's just the beginning of PowerMate's possibilities. Edit movies just like the pros with PowerMate functioning as your very own Jog/Shuttle wheel. PowerMate makes editing anything from home movies to your next demo a breeze. It even comes preset to work with iMovie, FinalCut Pro and GarageBand right out of the box!