Product Introduction

1. Dory is a zero-configuration Mac application designed to simplify app switching through intuitive mouse interactions and text-based search. It eliminates the need for keyboard shortcuts by allowing users to click their middle mouse button or right Command key and type any part of an application name. The system supports flexible input methods including acronyms, partial matches, and phonetic approximations to locate apps. Over time, it adapts to user behavior by prioritizing frequently used applications in search results.

2. The core value lies in reducing cognitive load and workflow interruptions for users who manage multiple applications. It provides instant access to apps without requiring memorization of shortcuts or manual configuration of preferences. By combining mouse-driven activation with adaptive machine learning, Dory streamlines workspace navigation for both casual and power users. Its design philosophy emphasizes immediate usability while maintaining long-term efficiency gains through habit tracking.

Main Features

1. Dory enables app switching through middle mouse button activation or right Command key press, triggering a search interface that accepts partial name matches and acronyms. Users can type any combination of letters from an app's name, including non-consecutive characters, with results updating in real-time. The system supports cycling through apps starting with the same initial letter through repeated key presses.

2. The application implements machine learning to analyze usage patterns and surface frequently accessed apps higher in search results. This adaptive algorithm operates transparently without requiring user configuration, tracking launch frequency and temporal patterns. Priority adjustments occur dynamically, ensuring optimal sorting based on both long-term preferences and recent activity bursts.

3. Version 1.1 introduces two visual menu styles (Palette and Fan) with three size options, supporting different screen layouts and user preferences. The update adds Progressive Web App (PWA) compatibility, enabling launch capabilities for web-based applications installed through browsers. Enhanced interaction modes include hover-and-release activation, where apps launch when users release the mouse button while hovering over menu items.

Problems Solved

1. Dory addresses the inefficiency of traditional app-switching methods that require memorizing keyboard shortcuts or navigating through crowded Dock/Launchpad interfaces. It solves the problem of application overload in macOS environments where users routinely work with 10+ active programs. The solution particularly benefits those who struggle with shortcut recall or prefer mouse-centric workflows.

2. The primary target users include creative professionals juggling design suites, developers managing multiple IDEs and tools, and general users operating numerous productivity apps simultaneously. It serves individuals with accessibility needs who find keyboard shortcuts challenging, as well as transitional users migrating from Windows/Linux systems accustomed to different switching paradigms.

3. Typical use cases involve quickly accessing background applications during video editing workflows without breaking keyboard hand positioning. Another scenario supports users with irregular app-naming conventions who might type "PS" for Photoshop or "XEL" for Microsoft Excel. Remote desktop users benefit from the mouse-driven interface when working with constrained keyboard layouts.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike Alfred or Spotlight requiring keyboard invocation, Dory maintains separate mouse-driven activation that preserves keyboard focus for active applications. Compared to traditional app switchers using fixed shortcut combinations, it offers fluid input tolerance for misspellings and approximate matches (e.g., "CHROME" matches "Google Chrome" through substring detection).

2. The adaptive prioritization engine uniquely combines frequency analysis with temporal relevance, boosting apps used at specific times of day or during particular workflows. Exclusive to Dory is the hybrid mouse-keyboard interaction model that enables partial input completion through both physical clicks and text entry. The PWA support feature surpasses many native app switchers by integrating web applications into the launch ecosystem.

3. Competitive advantages include immediate out-of-the-box functionality requiring no permissions, preferences, or system resource allocations beyond initial installation. The 2.4MB footprint ensures minimal memory impact compared to full-featured launchers. Family Sharing compatibility allows seamless deployment across multiple user accounts without additional licensing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I activate Dory's search interface? Users can either click the middle mouse button or press the right Command key to initiate app search. The activation method requires no configuration, though version 1.1 allows custom key mapping through system preferences. Both wired and Bluetooth mice are supported, with touchpad users able to simulate middle-click via three-finger tap configurations.

2. Does Dory collect any user data? The developer confirms no personal data or usage statistics are collected, as stated in the App Privacy section. All learning algorithms operate locally on the device without cloud synchronization. Privacy-conscious users benefit from complete offline functionality and absence of telemetry components.

3. What macOS versions are compatible? Dory requires macOS 15.2 or later, leveraging native APIs for window management and process detection. It maintains compatibility with both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures. The application undergoes regular updates to support new macOS features, with version testing conducted against beta OS releases.