Liquid Timer v2

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Liquid Timer v2 is a macOS-native productivity application specializing in visual time management through dynamic liquid animations. It falls under the technical category of desktop utility software for task optimization and focus enhancement.
2. Core Value Proposition: It solves fragmented workflow interruptions by enabling users to create, customize, and track unlimited floating timers with minimal system overhead. Its existence centers on replacing clunky system clocks with immersive, drag-and-drop time visualization for macOS power users.

Main Features

1. Immersive Fullscreen Liquid Timer:
   • How it works: Activates a physics-based fluid simulation that fills/empties in real-time relative to remaining time. Built using Apple’s Metal API for GPU-accelerated rendering, ensuring smooth animations under 5% CPU load.
2. Unlimited Floating Circular Timers:
   • How it works: Users drag timers from the menu bar directly onto any desktop layer. Each timer operates as an independent NSWindow object with "always on top" properties, leveraging macOS compositor for zero interference with active apps.
3. Custom Voice & Sound Alerts:
   • How it works: Integrates AVFoundation framework to support user-imported audio files (MP3/WAV) or 15+ built-in synthesized voices. Triggers system-level audio interrupts upon completion.
4. Pomodoro & Focus Modes:
   • How it works: Pre-sets intervals (e.g., 25m work/5m break) using Core Data for session persistence. Blocks notifications via macOS Focus APIs during active sessions.
5. Right-Click Timer Controls:
   • How it works: Contextual menus (NSMenu) expose per-timer actions: pause/resume via NSTimer suspension, style switching (liquid/bar/minimalist), or cancellation with animation interrupts.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Eliminates context-switching fatigue during deep work by providing glanceable, always-visible progress indicators without alt-tabbing.
2. Target Audience:
   • Productivity-focused professionals (developers, designers)
   • Students using Pomodoro for study sessions
   • ADHD users requiring visual time anchors
   • Cooks/fitness enthusiasts needing hands-free countdowns
3. Use Cases:
   • Tracking sprint deadlines in coding workflows
   • Managing medication intervals via vocal alerts
   • Fullscreen presentation rehearsals with immersive timers
   • Kitchen safety with floating cooking timers over recipe apps

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation:
   • Versus stock macOS Clock: Offers multi-timer support, custom audio, and GPU-optimized animations.
   • Versus web-based timers: Zero browser dependency, 4.4MB footprint, and native menu bar integration.
2. Key Innovation:
   • Dynamic Fluid Engine: Real-time liquid physics simulation using Metal shaders, reducing CPU load by 40% compared to v1.
   • Desktop-Agnostic Positioning: Timers retain coordinates across Spaces/Mission Control via Quartz Display Services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Liquid Timer v2 work on macOS Sonoma?
   Yes, it requires macOS 14.6 or later and is optimized for Apple Silicon M-series chips.
2. Can I use custom sounds for timer alerts?
   Absolutely. Import MP3/WAV files via drag-and-drop into the app’s alert settings panel.
3. How does Liquid Timer reduce CPU usage?
   It offloads animation rendering to the GPU via Metal API and suspends background processes during inactivity.
4. Is this app suitable for Pomodoro technique?
   Yes, with dedicated focus modes, configurable intervals, and auto-repeat session cycling.
5. Are timers visible in fullscreen apps?
   Yes. Floating timers use native macOS layering to overlay games/video editors in fullscreen mode.