LiquidTimers

Product Introduction

1. LiquidTimers is a macOS productivity application that enables users to create and manage unlimited visual timers through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It combines circular timer visualization with dynamic liquid animations to display time progression, designed specifically for macOS 14.6 and newer systems. The app supports multiple concurrent timers that can be positioned freely on the desktop while remaining visible above other applications.
2. The core value lies in merging functional time management with sensory engagement through physics-based liquid simulations. It addresses modern productivity needs by offering spatial organization of timers, customizable audio feedback, and native macOS integration without data collection. The product emphasizes visual accountability for time management through its patented fluid dynamics engine that renders unique liquid displacement effects during countdowns.

Main Features

1. The menu bar-driven drag-and-drop system allows instant timer creation through a persistent macOS menu bar icon, enabling users to initiate timers without interrupting workflow. Users can configure duration (1-240 minutes), liquid color schemes (16 preset options), and animation viscosity parameters through a radial context menu. This feature supports keyboard shortcut activation (⌘+T) for power users requiring rapid timer deployment.
2. Unlimited concurrent timers operate with independent physics simulations, each rendering real-time fluid dynamics through Metal-accelerated graphics. Timers maintain positional memory across sessions and can be pinned as always-on-top windows above full-screen applications. The system allocates dedicated CPU threads per timer to maintain animation smoothness during multitasking scenarios.
3. Custom audio integration accepts .mp3/.wav files (up to 30MB) for timer completion alerts, paired with 12 synthetic voice options (6 languages supported). The audio engine supports spatial sound positioning relative to timer locations on extended displays. Users can layer multiple alert types, including system sounds, voice notifications, and haptic feedback through compatible MacBooks.

Problems Solved

1. The app eliminates context switching in productivity workflows by enabling direct timer management through persistent menu bar access and desktop-level timer placement. Traditional timer apps require window switching and lack spatial organization capabilities, causing workflow fragmentation during focused work sessions. LiquidTimers solves this through non-modal operation and positional timer persistence across workspace configurations.
2. Primary users include macOS power users requiring multiple concurrent timers for task batching, ADHD individuals benefiting from visual time representation, and creative professionals managing iterative work cycles. Educational users leverage the system for classroom activity segmentation, while developers utilize it for timeboxing during coding sprints with technical duration presets.
3. Typical applications include Pomodoro technique implementation with automated session cycling, laboratory procedure timing with precise audio alerts, and parental control usage through visible countdowns for children's activities. Fitness enthusiasts employ the liquid visualization for interval training monitoring, while chefs use the multi-timer system for simultaneous cooking processes with distinct auditory cues.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike conventional timer apps using progress bars, LiquidTimers implements GPU-accelerated fluid dynamics (Navier-Stokes equations) that respond to system time updates. This creates a unique visual metaphor where time "pours" through virtual containers, with animation viscosity adjustable from water-like to honey-thick consistencies. Competitors lack this real-time physics integration and multi-timer spatial management system.
2. The patented liquid rendering engine optimizes Metal API utilization to maintain <15% GPU usage per timer instance across M-series chips. Floating timers employ Core Animation transforms for perspective-aware positioning, allowing users to tilt and resize timers while maintaining fluid simulation accuracy. This technical implementation enables stable operation of 10+ simultaneous timers on baseline M1 Macs.
3. Competitive edge derives from native macOS integration using SwiftUI and Combine frameworks, ensuring seamless compatibility with Stage Manager and Mission Control. Privacy-focused architecture guarantees zero data collection or network permissions, verified through macOS sandboxing constraints. The app's modular design allows future expansion into timer automation workflows through Apple Shortcuts integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I create multiple timers for different tasks simultaneously? Drag the menu bar icon multiple times to spawn independent timer instances, or use the ⌘+D keyboard shortcut to duplicate active timers. Each new timer automatically positions at a 15-degree offset from previous instances for organized spatial arrangement.
2. Can I synchronize timer presets across multiple Mac devices? Currently, sync functionality requires manual export/import of configuration files (.liquidcfg) through the File menu. The app doesn't utilize iCloud sync due to its no-data-collection policy, but users can employ third-party cloud storage services for preset synchronization.
3. What system resources does the liquid animation require? Each active timer consumes approximately 120MB RAM and 5% CPU on M1 processors, optimized through MetalFX upscaling. Users can disable physics simulations in Settings > Performance to reduce resource usage by 40% while retaining basic timer functionality.