On-device transcription
QuietHint converts speech to text on the Mac using a local speech model. Audio is not uploaded or recorded to disk, and the transcript separates the microphone channel from the call channel.
QuietHint
QuietHint is a macOS meeting assistant that transcribes microphone and call audio on the Mac, labels speakers as You and Them, and suggests concise replies when questions arise. It helps people stay oriented during sales calls, support conversations, interviews, and other remote discussions without adding a bot to the meeting.
Mac-based meeting assistance
QuietHint is a macOS meeting assistant for people who want live transcription and lightweight response help without adding a bot to the call. It listens to the microphone and call audio on the Mac, displays a transcript with You and Them labels, and can surface a concise suggested reply when a question arises.
The app runs as a small floating overlay rather than an in-meeting integration. Transcription uses a speech model on the device; generating a hint sends recent transcript text to Anthropic through the user's own API key, with an optional screenshot when Screen mode is enabled.
Core features
Speaker labels
Each transcript line is marked You or Them, making it easier to distinguish your own words from what the other participant said.
Suggested replies
When a question comes up, the overlay can produce a short sentence to say plus two or three concise supporting points. Auto mode can detect questions, while ⌘↩ requests a hint manually.
Non-blocking overlay
The floating overlay stays above the call app without taking keyboard focus. Shortcuts control visibility and quitting, and click-through keeps the window out of the way.
Optional screen context
Screen mode can include a shared dashboard, error message, or slide in a hint. It is off by default and can be switched on from the overlay.
Call-app agnostic workflow
QuietHint listens to audio already playing on the Mac, so it does not require a meeting bot, plugin, extension, or integration inside the call app.
Practical use cases
Sales calls
During a sales conversation, the overlay can help frame a concise response to objections such as price concerns, while keeping the relevant question and supporting points visible.
Customer support
When a customer reports a technical issue, a hint can suggest a clarifying question or a focused next step based on the reported symptoms and optional shared-screen context.
Interview and presentation practice
For interview or presentation practice, the assistant can give an answer structure—such as stating what happened, what changed, and the result—without requiring a separate note-taking workflow.
Screen-based discussions
In product demos or remote consultations, Screen mode can use a shared dashboard, slide, or error message as additional context for a more relevant prompt.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Transcribes call audio locally on the Mac rather than uploading audio to QuietHint.
- Separates microphone and call audio and labels lines as You or Them.
- Works with call apps that play audio through macOS without requiring a bot, plugin, or extension.
- Provides both automatic and on-demand hints, with optional screen context.
- Runs without a QuietHint account; setup uses the app and the user's own Anthropic key.
Cons
- Currently requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 13.2 or later.
- AI hint generation requires the user's own Anthropic API key and an internet connection; Anthropic usage is billed separately.
- The app is designed around a single floating overlay and local call audio, so it may not suit workflows requiring a shared team transcript or built-in meeting integration.
FAQ
What are QuietHint's system requirements?
QuietHint requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 13.2 or later. An internet connection is needed to generate AI hints, while the speech model used for transcription ships inside the app and can work offline.
How do I install and set up QuietHint?
Download the disk image, open it, drag QuietHint to Applications, and launch it once. macOS then guides you through microphone and screen-audio permissions, followed by adding your Anthropic API key.
Which meeting and call apps does QuietHint work with?
QuietHint listens to your microphone and the call audio playing on your Mac. It does not install a plugin, bot, or extension in the meeting app, and it works with call apps that play audio through the Mac, including Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Slack, FaceTime, Discord, and Webex.
What data leaves my Mac?
Transcription is performed on the Mac. Audio is not uploaded or recorded to disk. When you generate a hint, recent transcript text—and a screenshot if Screen mode is enabled—is sent to Anthropic using your API key. QuietHint says it does not see your key, audio, or transcripts.
How do hints work during a call?
The overlay can suggest a short sentence and two or three supporting points when a question is detected. You can use Auto mode or request a hint on demand with ⌘↩; Screen mode is off by default and can provide visual context when enabled.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI meeting assistant
- Platform
- macOS 13.2 or later on Apple silicon
- Workflow
- Local transcription with a floating overlay
- Input
- Microphone and call audio playing on the Mac
- AI provider setup
- User's own Anthropic API key
- Account requirement
- No QuietHint account required
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