Trace

What it does

Trace is a macOS app that captures your microphone and system audio, transcribes meetings locally on your Mac, and produces a markdown transcript with flagged moments inline. It runs entirely on-device with no accounts, no cloud uploads, and no meeting bots. You can start recording with a keyboard shortcut (⌘R), flag key moments mid-call with ⌘K, and later get a summary with one press using Apple Intelligence. The app also offers a command-line tool (tracecli) for scripting and automation.

Who it is for

Trace is designed for professionals who attend meetings on Mac and want private, offline transcripts without adding a bot to the call. It works with Zoom, Teams, Meet, Slack, and any other app that outputs system audio. The target users are those who value privacy (no cloud, no telemetry), want to capture and search meeting notes quickly, and prefer keyboard-driven workflows. It also appeals to developers and power users who can script tracecli or integrate with Shortcuts.

Why it matters

Meeting transcription tools often require cloud processing, accounts, and bots that join as participants. Trace eliminates all of that: audio never leaves your Mac, there is no sign-up, and no extra participant in the call. The ability to flag moments live with a note means you can capture decisions and action items without interrupting the flow. The on-device transcription is fast (seconds on Apple silicon) and supports multiple languages. For privacy-conscious teams or individuals, Trace offers a compelling alternative to cloud-based services like Otter or Granola.

Launch signal

Trace was launched as a Show HN on Hacker News, indicating an early-stage product seeking feedback. The website is live with a Mac App Store listing, and the app requires macOS 14 or later and Apple silicon. The product appears to be functional and available for download, but there is no public information about funding, team size, or revenue. The website includes detailed feature descriptions and comparisons to alternatives, suggesting a well-thought-out product.

Brand and naming

The name "Trace" is short, memorable, and evokes the idea of tracking or following a path—fitting for a tool that captures meeting transcripts. The branding emphasizes privacy and simplicity: "No accounts. No cloud. No meeting bots." The visual design is clean and minimal, with a focus on keyboard shortcuts and markdown output. The positioning as an offline, on-device alternative to cloud transcription services is clear and differentiated.