Tock

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Tock is a lightweight, open-source macOS menu bar timer application designed for productivity-focused workflows. Technically categorized as a system utility, it operates exclusively within macOS's menu bar ecosystem.
2. Core Value Proposition: Tock eliminates timer-app complexity by offering a keyboard-first, distraction-free timing solution. Its core purpose is to deliver ultra-minimalist time tracking without dashboards, queues, or subscriptions—prioritizing speed and focus for macOS power users.

Main Features

1. Menu Bar Integration: Tock resides permanently in the macOS menu bar, leveraging native APIs for zero-window operation. It dynamically adapts to system aesthetics (light/dark mode, Liquid Glass translucency) using Apple's AppKit framework, ensuring seamless OS integration.
2. Natural-Language Time Entry: Users input durations via keyboard using conversational syntax (e.g., "25m", "1h15s"). The Swift-based parser converts these phrases into precise timer values, bypassing manual pickers for rapid setup.
3. Single-Timer Enforcement: Unlike multi-timer apps, Tock intentionally restricts users to one active timer. This design choice minimizes cognitive load and prevents task-switching friction, enforced programmatically via its state-machine architecture.
4. Customizable Shortcuts & Tones: Configurable global hotkeys trigger timer actions (start/pause/reset), while curated notification sounds use macOS's AVFoundation framework. Interface elements like button size and opacity are adjustable via JSON preferences.
5. Dual Timing Modes: Supports both countdown (task-based) and stopwatch (duration-tracking) modes. The countdown mode uses macOS's Grand Central Dispatch for precision scheduling, syncing with system-level notifications.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Over-engineered timer apps with cluttered UIs, subscription traps, and disruptive context-switching. Tock solves "timer fatigue" by reducing interaction to <3 keystrokes.
2. Target Audience: Keyboard-centric professionals (developers, writers, researchers), Pomodoro technique practitioners, and minimalism advocates needing glanceable, non-intrusive time tracking.
3. Use Cases:
   • Rapidly timing focused work sprints without leaving the keyboard
   • Tracking meetings/calls via quick menu-bar checks
   • Cooking/brewing intervals with hands-free audio alerts
   • Preventing timer-app "tab sprawl" during deep work sessions

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Contrasts with feature-bloated alternatives (e.g., Timery, Hours) by rejecting multi-timer queues, analytics dashboards, and cloud sync—prioritizing atomic functionality. Unlike Electron-based timers, it uses 90% less memory (~5MB RAM).
2. Key Innovation: The fusion of NLP-based input with strict single-timer enforcement creates a unique "set-and-forget" workflow. Native macOS material integration (Liquid Glass, dynamic tinting) ensures it behaves like a system component rather than a third-party app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Tock work on macOS Ventura/Sonoma?
   Yes, Tock is compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina and newer, including Sonoma's Liquid Glass and dynamic island features.
2. Can I use Tock without touching the mouse?
   Absolutely. All functions—starting timers (via natural language), pausing, resetting—are controllable through customizable global keyboard shortcuts.
3. How does Tock handle notifications?
   At timer completion, Tock triggers macOS-native notifications with selectable tones. Users can interact directly with notifications to restart or dismiss timers.
4. Is Tock really free with no hidden costs?
   Yes. Tock is 100% free, open-source (MIT licensed), and contains zero ads, tracking, or premium paywalls.
5. Can I modify Tock's interface or functionality?
   As open-source software, Tock's Swift codebase allows full customization. Users can adjust UI elements, add features, or rebuild binaries via Xcode.