GhostReply

Product Introduction

1. Definition: GhostReply is a local macOS terminal application leveraging generative AI to automate personalized iMessage replies. It directly accesses the local iMessage database (via macOS APIs) to analyze user-specific texting patterns.
2. Core Value Proposition: GhostReply eliminates manual texting for selected conversations by imitating your unique texting style (slang, tone, emoji use) using contextual AI, ensuring replies are indistinguishable from your own. It offers hands-free communication or automated trolling (Ragebait mode) with local data processing for privacy.

Main Features

1. Local iMessage Style Learning:

   • How it works: On first run, GhostReply performs a deep scan of your local iMessage history database (SQLite). It employs NLP analysis to identify patterns: common abbreviations, slang, sentence length, emoji frequency, response timing, and conversational context (friends, topics, interests). This creates a unique user profile stored locally.
   • Technology: Direct SQLite querying (macOS ~/Library/Messages/chat.db), custom NLP parsing, local profile storage.

2. Contextual Auto-Reply Engine:

   • How it works: When a selected contact sends an iMessage, GhostReply uses the local user profile and the specific conversation history with that contact as context. It sends the prompt (incoming message + context) to Groq's cloud-based LLM API (user-provided key) via a secure connection. The LLM generates a reply mimicking the user's style, which is sent locally via AppleScript or macOS Scripting Bridge to the Messages app.
   • Technology: Groq API (for low-latency inference), macOS inter-process communication (AppleScript/Scripting Bridge), local context caching.

3. Terminal-Based Operation & Management:

   • How it works: Installed via a single bash script (curl -sL ghostreply.lol/install.sh | bash). Runs entirely within the macOS Terminal as a persistent process. Users start/stop it with ghostreply and stop commands. Each Terminal tab can manage a separate contact thread.
   • Technology: Bash shell scripting, persistent terminal processes, CLI command management.

4. Auto-Stop on Manual Reply & Ragebait Mode:

   • How it works: The app monitors outgoing iMessages to the managed contact. If the user sends a manual reply, GhostReply immediately halts auto-replies for that thread. Ragebait mode alters the AI's personality (set during setup) to generate intentionally provocative or humorous replies for trolling.
   • Technology: Real-time iMessage send event detection (macOS notifications/database monitoring), dynamic personality prompt injection for Groq API.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Time-consuming manual texting for routine or low-priority conversations. Inconsistent response times when busy. Difficulty maintaining authentic texting personas with automation.
2. Target Audience:
   • Busy Professionals: Needing to acknowledge messages instantly during meetings or deep work.
   • Social Media Managers/Influencers: Handling high message volumes while maintaining personal tone.
   • Tech-Savvy Students: Automating replies to common queries (homework, plans) or using Ragebait for fun.
   • Privacy-Conscious Users: Seeking automation without cloud-based message processing.
3. Use Cases:
   • Automatically confirming plans or giving ETA replies while driving/working.
   • Handling repetitive questions from group chats or specific contacts.
   • Maintaining presence in conversations during periods of unavailability.
   • Executing pre-planned humorous or troll interactions (Ragebait) with friends.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike cloud-based chatbot services or generic auto-reply apps, GhostReply operates 100% locally after initial Groq API call (messages never touch GhostReply servers), learns from your specific iMessage history (not generic templates), and integrates seamlessly with native iMessage (blue bubbles). Competitors lack the deep, personalized style cloning and local execution.
2. Key Innovation: The automated, granular analysis of personal iMessage history to create a highly accurate texting persona model, combined with local execution and terminal-based simplicity. The Ragebait mode and auto-stop on manual reply are also unique functional innovations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does GhostReply work on iPhone or Windows?
   No. GhostReply is a macOS-exclusive terminal application. It requires direct access to the local iMessage database (chat.db), which is only available and structured on macOS. It cannot run on iOS, iPadOS, or Windows.

2. Is GhostReply safe and private for my messages?
   Yes. GhostReply processes all messages locally on your Mac. Your iMessage history is scanned locally, and replies are generated/sent locally. Only the necessary prompt data (current message + context) is sent securely to Groq's API using your API key. GhostReply's servers never access your messages, contacts, or conversation data.

3. Can GhostReply reply to multiple people at once?
   Yes, by utilizing multiple Terminal tabs. Run ghostreply in separate tabs, selecting a different contact in each tab. Each instance operates independently, managing auto-replies for its assigned contact.

4. How does the 24-hour free trial work for GhostReply?
   During setup, when prompted for a license key, type trial. This activates full functionality for 24 hours. After expiry, the app stops working. To continue, purchase a $4.99 one-time license and enter the key when restarting ghostreply. Your profile and settings are preserved locally.

5. Can people detect they are talking to an AI bot with GhostReply?
   GhostReply is specifically designed to mimic your unique texting style by learning from hundreds of your real messages. It uses your slang, abbreviations, typical response length, and conversation context. It will also deny being a bot if asked. While not foolproof, it significantly reduces detectability compared to generic bots.