Radial

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Radial is a context-aware pie menu utility for macOS that enables users to create custom macros for task automation. It operates as a system-level overlay activated via trackpad gestures or keyboard shortcuts.
2. Core Value Proposition: Radial eliminates repetitive workflows by letting users trigger multi-step actions instantly through a single gesture, boosting productivity for macOS power users.

Main Features

1. Gesture-Activated Pie Menus

   • How it works: Users configure radial menus triggered by trackpad swipes or keyboard combos. Menus display customizable icons for actions, leveraging macOS APIs for low-latency rendering.
   • Technology: Built on SwiftUI for smooth animations, with CoreGraphics for gesture tracking and Apple Script/Shell integration for action execution.

2. Context-Aware Macro Engine

   • How it works: Macros dynamically adapt to the active application window. For example, Photoshop-specific shortcuts appear only when Adobe apps are focused, using macOS Accessibility APIs to detect foreground apps.
   • Technology: Rule-based triggers (App ID detection) combined with Apple Event scripting for cross-app automation.

3. Multi-Action Command Builder

   • How it works: Combines app launches, URL openings, file operations, and script executions into one macro. Example: A "Research" macro could open Safari, search predefined terms, and activate a note-taking app simultaneously.
   • Technology: Parallel task execution via Grand Central Dispatch (GCD), with support for Apple Shortcuts, shell scripts, and URL schemes.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Reduces context-switching fatigue for users performing repetitive digital tasks (e.g., designers toggling tools, developers running build commands).
2. Target Audience:
   • Productivity-focused professionals (developers, designers, writers)
   • Mac power users managing complex workflows
   • Students/educators automating research/documentation tasks
3. Use Cases:
   • Design Workflow: One-touch Photoshop toolset switching
   • Coding: Compiling code + opening test environment in a single gesture
   • Content Creation: Inserting emojis/files while typing without interrupting focus

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike static launchers (Alfred, LaunchBar), Radial offers adaptive, gesture-driven menus with macro chaining. Competitors lack context-aware automation tied to active apps.
2. Key Innovation: Dynamic menu reconfiguration via real-time app detection – a technical leap over manual shortcut tools. Patent-pending gesture recognition ensures sub-100ms response times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Radial support macOS Sonoma and Sequoia?
   Radial requires macOS 15 or newer, leveraging exclusive APIs for gesture control and context awareness unavailable in older OS versions.

2. Can Radial automate tasks across multiple apps?
   Yes, Radial executes cross-app workflows like grabbing text from Safari, processing it via Python script, and pasting results into Notes – all in one macro.

3. How does Radial’s student discount work?
   Students save 30% on Radial licenses by verifying academic status through AppVerge’s secure portal at appverge.net/store.

4. Is Radial compatible with Apple Shortcuts?
   Radial integrates directly with Apple Shortcuts, allowing you to embed existing shortcuts into radial menus or chain them with other actions.

5. What happens after the 7-day free trial ends?
   Post-trial, Radial requires a one-time €14.99 license (no subscriptions). Discounts apply for students and owners of other AppVerge apps like DockFix.