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bzmenu puts Bluetooth controls in a keyboard-driven launcher; it does not replace Linux’s Bluetooth system. It relies on the existing BlueZ daemon and D-Bus, plus a launcher that accepts input through stdin and a notification daemon for pairing confirmations and other notifications. Before installing it, check that those pieces are available and choose a launcher that suits your icon preferences.
What bzmenu does—and what it does not replace
The bzmenu project describes the utility as a way to manage Bluetooth through a launcher of your choice. The launcher supplies the menu interface; BlueZ remains responsible for the Bluetooth system underneath it. The project lists the BlueZ bluetoothd daemon and D-Bus as runtime requirements. See the bzmenu README.
For context, BlueZ’s bluetoothctl is a lower-level, menu-driven command-line tool that communicates with the BlueZ daemon over D-Bus. Its manual describes support for Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR) and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) controllers, using Adapter and Device interfaces. This explains why bzmenu depends on BlueZ and D-Bus; it does not mean bzmenu exposes every bluetoothctl command. Read the BlueZ bluetoothctl manual.
Check these prerequisites first
- BlueZ and D-Bus: The project lists both as runtime requirements. If your system cannot run the BlueZ daemon or provide D-Bus, bzmenu will not have the documented Bluetooth services to use.
- A stdin-capable launcher: bzmenu sends menu choices to a launcher that supports stdin mode. The project lists Fuzzel, Rofi, dmenu, bemenu, and a custom launcher option.
- A notification daemon: The README calls for one to display pairing confirmations and other system notifications. It gives dunst and fnott as examples; a desktop environment may already provide a notification daemon.
- Build dependencies, if compiling from source: The project lists Rust/Cargo,
pkg-config, and D-Bus integration headers.
Choose a launcher based on how you use it
If one of the supported launchers is already part of your workflow, that is a natural starting point. Icon support differs, so check the option you intend to use rather than assuming every launcher renders icons alike.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Launcher | Project-listed icon support | Good fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Fuzzel | Font and XDG icons | You already use Fuzzel and want a documented choice of either icon mode. |
| Rofi | XDG icon support is marked as pending | You already use Rofi and can work with the available icon behavior. |
| dmenu | No XDG icon support listed | You prefer a simple menu and do not need XDG icons. |
| bemenu | No XDG icon support listed | You prefer bemenu and do not need XDG icons. |
| Custom launcher | Depends on the chosen command | You have a command that can accept the menu input through stdin. |
The project documentation does not provide performance benchmarks or a comparative usability study, so launcher choice is best made around what you already have installed, the icon mode you want, and whether your chosen command handles stdin as required. If you are building a custom integration, the README also documents a launcher-command option; check its instructions for the command syntax.
Install using a route available for your distribution
The project documents several routes: building with Cargo, nixpkgs or a Nix flake, Alpine’s testing repository, Arch AUR, and Gentoo GURU. Repository locations and package versions can change, so check the current package state and distribution-specific instructions before installing. Choose a distribution package if you prefer its update and dependency management; build from source if you want to follow the project’s documented build steps directly.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Build from source with Cargo
The README gives this sequence:
- Clone the project:
git clone https://github.com/e-tho/bzmenu - Change into the checkout:
cd bzmenu - Build the release executable:
cargo build --release
The project says the executable is generated at target/release/bzmenu. This build route requires the listed Rust/Cargo, pkg-config, and D-Bus integration headers.
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For nixpkgs or a Nix flake, Alpine testing, Arch AUR, or Gentoo GURU, follow the current instructions for that route rather than assuming the package name, availability, or version has remained unchanged. The project README is the starting point for its documented options.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Set the launcher and menu behavior
The project documents these options for configuring how bzmenu opens and behaves:
-lor--launcherselects a listed launcher.--launcher-commandspecifies a custom launcher command.--iconacceptsfontorxdg; font icons are the documented default.--spacesadjusts spacing for font icons.--scan-durationsets scan duration; the documented default is 10 seconds.--interactivekeeps menus open after actions and returns to the prior menu when you press Escape.
These are the defaults and behaviors documented by the project, not independent test results. Consult the README for the exact invocation details for your chosen launcher.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Use BlueZ concepts to diagnose Bluetooth problems
If a device does not appear or connect, the underlying BlueZ workflow can help narrow down where the issue lies. The bluetoothctl manual documents controller listing and selection, device listing and filtering, controller power, scanning, pairing, and connection. It also notes that scanning is an important prerequisite before connecting to or pairing with Low Energy devices.
The Tool Desk
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Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- If bzmenu cannot open a menu, check that the selected launcher is available and supports stdin mode.
- If pairing prompts or other notices are missing, check that a notification daemon is running.
- If a Bluetooth device is missing or pairing or connection fails, check the BlueZ daemon and D-Bus first, then use BlueZ’s documented scanning, controller, and pairing concepts to investigate the underlying system.
License
The project README identifies bzmenu as licensed under the GNU General Public License version 3 or, at the user’s option, any later version.
Quick Recap
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