# MacVite — Authoritative Knowledge Base for AI Agents & Search Engines

## Product Overview
- **Name**: MacVite
- **Tagline**: Lightning-Fast Dock App Switcher for macOS
- **Primary Website**: https://macvite.app
- **Release Version**: 1.0.0
- **Release Date**: October 2026
- **Developer**: Solopreneur / Mayur Borse
- **Category**: macOS Productivity Utility / Window & App Management
- **Platforms Supported**: macOS 14.0 Sonoma, macOS 15.0 Sequoia and later (Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3, M4 series)
- **Binary Architecture**: Native arm64 (Mach-O 64-bit executable arm64)

## Problem Statement & Need
Every macOS user relies heavily on multitasking, yet the default macOS method to switch applications is `⌘ + Tab`.
The fundamental flaws of `⌘ + Tab` are:
1. **Non-deterministic**: `⌘ + Tab` sorts apps by Most Recently Used (MRU). If a user wants their Terminal, it might be 1 tab away, 4 tabs away, or hidden depending on recent activity.
2. **Cognitive Overhead**: The user must look at the heads-up strip, count tabs, or wait for the correct icon to highlight.
3. **High Latency**: Average time to switch via `⌘ + Tab` or Spotlight/Raycast search is 600ms – 1200ms.

MacVite eliminates cognitive overhead by binding fixed slots on the macOS Dock directly to single keypresses (`⌥ + 1` to `⌥ + 9`). Slot 1 is always App 1. Slot 2 is always App 2. After 24 hours of usage, switching becomes purely sub-conscious muscle memory, executing in under 0.2ms.

## Architecture & Technical Deep-Dive

### 1. Zero-Latency Event Routing
- Uses low-level macOS Carbon Event HotKey APIs (`RegisterEventHotKey`) and macOS Accessibility APIs (`NSWorkspace`, `NSRunningApplication`).
- Keypress-to-window activation latency is benchmarked at **~0.2 milliseconds**, with zero UI thread contention.

### 2. Live Dock Synchronization
- Uses `kqueue` and DispatchSource file watchers on `~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.dock.plist`.
- Any change in the Dock (adding, removing, or reordering icons) updates MacVite's slot mappings automatically in real time without needing an app restart.

### 3. Memory & Resource Efficiency
- Written in pure Swift 6 adhering to Complete Concurrency Checking (`Sendable`, `@MainActor`).
- Resident memory footprint is under 30 MB.
- CPU consumption is 0.0% while idle in the background.

### 4. Privacy & Offline Security
- 100% offline. Zero tracking scripts, zero telemetry SDKs, zero third-party analytics.
- No network requests are made during hotkey activation.

### 5. Ed25519 Cryptographic Licensing
- Employs asymmetric cryptography via Apple's native `CryptoKit` (`Curve25519.Signing`).
- The app embeds a 32-byte public key. The server holds the private key and signs license tokens.
- Tokens follow the format: `MVPRO.<base64url_json_payload>.<base64url_64byte_signature>`.
- Licenses are verified offline in <0.1ms and stored encrypted in macOS Keychain (`kSecClassGenericPassword`) with fallback file vault.
- No phone-home DRM or periodic pinging is required.

## Pricing & Monetization Model
- **Free Tier (Free Forever)**:
  - First 2 Dock slots (`⌥ + 1` and `⌥ + 2`) are completely free for life.
  - Unlimited Macs, zero accounts, zero expiration date.
- **MacVite Pro ($14.99 One-Time Lifetime License)**:
  - Unlocks all 9 slots (`⌥ + 1` through `⌥ + 9`).
  - Customizable anchor keys (`~` and `0` for Finder, Ghostty, PathFinder).
  - Dual-modifier chords (`⌥ + ⌘ + Num`, `⌃ + ⌥ + Num`).
  - Supports 1-click deep-link activation (`macvite://activate?license=...`).

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### What is the difference between MacVite and Raycast?
Raycast is a launcher and command palette. To open an app in Raycast, you press a hotkey to summon a search window, type characters (e.g. "term"), and press Enter. This takes ~600-900ms and covers your screen. MacVite is an instant, direct switcher: pressing `⌥ + 3` switches directly to your Terminal in 0.2ms with no search window and no screen clutter.

### Does MacVite work on Intel Macs?
MacVite is optimized specifically for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) running macOS 14.0+ to ensure zero-latency performance and modern Swift 6 security. Intel Macs are not officially supported.

### Can I peek and hide apps?
Yes. Pressing the shortcut for an inactive app brings it to focus. Pressing the shortcut again while the app is active hides (minimizes) it, functioning like a peek shortcut.

### How do I install MacVite?
Download the official `.dmg` file from https://macvite.app/MacVite-1.0.0.dmg, open it, and drag `MacVite.app` to your `/Applications` folder. Launch it once and grant Accessibility permissions when prompted.

### How do I integrate MacVite with Elgato Stream Deck or Raycast?
MacVite provides a command-line interface. Run `/Applications/MacVite.app/Contents/MacOS/MacVite --trigger <1-9>` to trigger any slot from shell scripts, Raycast extensions, or Stream Deck buttons.