Sonar Classic v0.1.6

• Diagnostics now lead with unwanted scrolling and show whether you're running the official build.
• Reports show your Mac's real model name, including new models.
• Clearer progress output when building from source.

Requires an M-series Mac on macOS 14 or later.

Sonar Classic v0.1.5

Sonar is now Sonar Classic. Requires an M-series Mac on macOS 14 or later.

Sonar 0.1.4 — Test build 1

This is a test build for Macs where gestures do nothing or scrolling happens on its own. It is not a confirmed fix yet. The regular download remains v0.1.3.

What changed

• First-launch setup checks the sound, asks you to move your hand, then checks that gestures stop when you stop. It saves settings only after the checks pass.
• If a sound setting fails, you can try the next one or save a report.
• Green arrows guide you up and down. A red hand tells you to stop.
• Swipe rejects some weak or ambiguous signals that previously triggered false navigation.
• Changing speaker volume during use starts a fresh calibration.
• Reports explain failed checks and include separate detector counts and microphone clipping measurements.

Install and try it

1. Download the DMG below. This build is for Apple silicon Macs running macOS 14 or later.
2. Quit Sonar. Open the DMG and drag Sonar into Applications, replacing the previous copy.
3. Open Sonar and complete setup. Keep the volume steady during each check.
4. If a setting fails, try the next sound setting. If none works, choose Save report and email it to emanuel@poke.com, along with what happened.

Audio stays on your Mac. Nothing is uploaded automatically; you choose whether to share the report.

The app shows 0.1.4 (9). The installer is signed and notarized. Build and regression checks passed; real-device testing is still needed. To return to the previous release, quit Sonar and reinstall v0.1.3.

Sonar v0.1.4

What changed

• A Settings page brings Recalibrate, Audio settings, and Run diagnostics together.
• Setup is optional and opens only when you choose Recalibrate.
• Setup checks sound, learns small resting-hand movements, then guides you through moving and stopping.
• Changing speaker volume restarts calibration.
• Improved rejection of weak or ambiguous swipe signals.
• Diagnostic reports now include microphone clipping measurements. Reports stay local until you share them.

Install

Download the DMG, quit Sonar, and drag Sonar into Applications, replacing the previous version. Requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 14 or later.

Version 0.1.4, build 11. This is an experiment in progress. Device compatibility testing is ongoing; the reported M4 issue still needs a retest on the affected Mac.

Sonar v0.1.3

Sonar now includes a guided diagnostic walkthrough for when gestures do nothing or scrolling happens on its own.

Open Run diagnostics… in the sidebar. Follow the hand instructions, then save a readable report. You can continue through optional checks for unwanted scrolling, other sound frequencies, and scrolling in another app. Their results are added to the same report.

Reports include the Mac model and chip, app build fingerprint, audio settings, and technical measurements. Audio is processed in memory; reports are saved only when you choose. Nothing is uploaded automatically.

This update helps investigate problems; it is not a confirmed fix for the reported M4 issue. Model names are shown where recognized. Gesture accuracy testing is ongoing.

Download the DMG, quit Sonar, and drag the new app into Applications. Open it from Applications afterward.

Apple silicon · macOS 14 or later · signed and notarized.

This is an experiment in progress. Version 0.1.3 (build 8).

Sonar v0.1.2

A clearer installer for Sonar: the app is on the left, Applications is on the right, and an arrow shows where to drag it.

Download the DMG, quit any running copy of Sonar, and drag Sonar into Applications. Open it from Applications afterward.

Includes the volume warnings introduced in v0.1.1. Gesture behavior is unchanged.

Apple silicon · macOS 14 or later · signed and notarized.

This is an experiment in progress. Version 0.1.2 (build 7). Includes #4.

Sonar v0.1.1

Sonar now gives you a heads-up when the built-in speakers are muted or at zero volume.

• A warning appears in the app and Audio settings, with an exclamation mark in the menu bar.
• The first muted start shows a one-time reminder with a “Start anyway” option.
• Muting your Mac keeps the session running. Sonar never changes your volume.
• The warning clears when volume returns.

Download the DMG and drag Sonar into Applications, replacing the previous version. Quit Sonar before replacing it.

For Apple silicon Macs running macOS 14 or later. Signed and notarized. This is an experiment in progress; gesture accuracy across MacBook models is still being tested. This update does not establish or fix the cause of every gesture-detection failure.

Version 0.1.1 (build 6). Includes #3.

Sonar v0.1.0

Sonar lets you scroll, swipe through images, and zoom with hand gestures using your MacBook’s built-in speakers and microphone.

This is an experiment in progress. Gesture accuracy varies, and testing across MacBook models is ongoing.

Install

Download Sonar-0.1.0-arm64.dmg, open it, and drag Sonar into Applications. This build is for Apple silicon Macs running macOS 14 or later. The app and DMG are signed and notarized by Apple.

Allow microphone access for sensing and Accessibility access to control other apps. Start with the practice examples inside Sonar.

A few things to know

• Scroll, Swipe, and Zoom are the main modes. Support in other apps depends on their controls.
• Distance and Position remain experimental estimates.
• Audio is processed locally. No data is sent back to us.
• Use Sonar away from pets; they may hear the tone.

Found an issue? Let me know or open a GitHub issue with your Mac model and macOS version.

Version 0.1.0, build 5.