Tether

A productivity dock designed specifically for software engineers with ADHD. Tether provides ambient activity monitoring, AI-powered assistance, and gamified focus rewards to help you stay on track.

First Time Setup

Important: When you first open Tether, it may take 30-60 seconds to fully initialize. The app is setting up its Python backend and indexing research documents in the background. Be patient during this initial startup!

Getting Started

1. Launch Tether - The dock will appear as a small floating panel
2. First Run: Wait for initial setup (30-60 seconds)
3. Set Up Permissions - Go to System Settings and grant the required permissions (see below)
4. Restart Tether - After setting up permissions, quit and relaunch the app
5. Position the Dock - Drag it to your preferred screen location

Platform-Specific Setup

🪟 Windows Permissions Setup

Tether works well on Windows with minimal setup required:

Permissions

1. Notifications

   • Windows will automatically prompt you to allow notifications when Tether first runs
   • If you missed the prompt: Go to Settings > System > Notifications
   • Find Tether and ensure notifications are enabled

2. Windows Defender/Antivirus (if blocked)

   • If Windows Defender blocks Tether (unsigned app warning):
     • Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
     • Click Manage settings under "Virus & threat protection settings"
     • Click Add or remove exclusions
     • Add the Tether installation folder as an exclusion

3. Run at Startup (recommended)

   • Go to Settings > Apps > Startup
   • Find Tether and toggle it On
   • This allows Tether to start automatically when you log in

Windows Installation Notes

• Security Warnings: Windows may show "Windows protected your PC" warnings
  • Click More info → Run anyway to proceed

---

🍎 macOS Permissions Setup

Tether needs several permissions to work properly. While macOS may prompt you automatically, it's recommended to set these up manually in System Settings:

Required Permissions

1. Notifications

   • Go to System Settings > Notifications
   • Find Tether in the list and click it
   • Enable Allow notifications
   • Recommended: Enable Badges, Sounds, and Banners

2. Accessibility (for advanced window tracking)

   • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
   • Click the + button and add Tether
   • Or check the box next to Tether if it's already listed

After Granting Permissions

• Always restart Tether after changing permissions in System Settings
• Quit the app completely and relaunch it for permissions to take effect

Troubleshooting Permissions

If activity monitoring or notifications aren't working:

1. Check that Accessibility permission is enabled
2. Check that Notifications permission is enabled
3. Restart Tether completely (quit and relaunch)
4. If issues persist, try removing and re-adding the permissions in System Settings

Core Features

Smart Activity Monitoring

• Automatic Tracking: Tether quietly monitors your window switching and application usage
• Focus Detection: Identifies productive vs. distracting activities
• No Manual Input: Everything happens automatically in the background

AI Chat Assistant

• Click the chat bubble in the dock to open your personal AI assistant
• Ask questions like:
  • "How can I improve my focus today?"
  • "What should I work on next?"
  • "Help me break down this complex task"
  • "I'm feeling overwhelmed, what should I do?"
• ADHD-Aware: The AI understands ADHD challenges and provides tailored advice
• Context-Aware: Uses your activity patterns to give personalized suggestions

Gamification & Rewards

• Focus Streaks: Earn points for maintaining focus on productive tasks
• Achievement Badges: Unlock rewards for hitting productivity milestones
• Daily Goals: Set and track daily focus targets
• Visual Progress: See your productivity stats in real-time

Dock Interface

• Always Accessible: Small, unobtrusive dock that stays on top
• Minimal Distraction: Designed to help, not hinder your focus

How to Use

Daily Workflow

1. Start Working - Just begin your normal work routine
2. Tether Learns - The app automatically tracks your activity patterns
3. Get Insights - Click the chat button when you need guidance or feel stuck
4. Check Progress - View your focus stats and rewards throughout the day

AI Assistant Usage

• Quick Questions: Click the chat bubble for instant ADHD-focused advice
• Task Breakdown: Ask for help breaking large tasks into manageable pieces
• Focus Strategies: Get personalized techniques based on your work patterns
• Emotional Support: Receive encouragement during difficult moments

Focus & Rewards

• Work in Focused Blocks: The longer you stay focused, the more points you earn
• Monitor Distractions: Get gentle notifications about excessive task-switching
• Celebrate Wins: Check your achievements and progress regularly
• Set Daily Goals: Use the rewards system to build consistent habits

Keyboard Shortcuts

Platform	Shortcut	Action
macOS	Cmd+Shift+D	Toggle dock visibility
Windows	Ctrl+Shift+D	Toggle dock visibility
Linux	Ctrl+Shift+D	Toggle dock visibility

ADHD-Specific Benefits

• Reduces Decision Fatigue: AI assistant helps with task prioritization
• Combats Hyperfocus: Gentle reminders to take breaks and switch tasks
• Fights Procrastination: Gamification makes starting tasks more rewarding
• Provides Structure: Automatic tracking creates routine without manual effort
• Offers Support: AI understands ADHD challenges and provides empathetic guidance

Settings & Customization

Access settings through the dock interface to:

• Adjust activity monitoring sensitivity
• Customize notification preferences
• Set focus goals and targets
• Configure AI assistant behavior
• Manage rewards and achievements

Privacy Note

Tether processes all data locally on your machine. Your activity patterns and conversations with the AI assistant never leave your computer.