I made an open source Windows app to rewind and search everything on screen (tonoko.notion.site)

Article summary

A developer has created an open-source Windows app that allows users to rewind and search everything on their screen. The app's functionality has sparked a discussion about similar projects and tools, including those for Linux and macOS. Some commenters have expressed interest in using the app for tasks such as tracking window positions and classes, while others have mentioned alternative solutions like accessibility APIs. The app's potential use cases and limitations are being explored in the comments.

Main themes

• Screen recording and search
• Open-source alternatives
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Privacy and data storage
• Similar projects and tools

What commenters say

• The app's functionality is useful for tasks such as tracking window positions and classes, and could be improved with the addition of features like local LLM support.
• Similar projects and tools, such as those for Linux and macOS, offer alternative solutions for users with different operating systems.
• Some users are concerned about the privacy implications of storing large amounts of screen data, and suggest using accessibility APIs or other methods to reduce data storage needs.
• The app's potential use cases, such as searching and rewinding screen activity, are valuable for tasks like debugging and note-taking, but may not be suitable for all users due to privacy concerns.
• The rise of open-source competitors makes it harder for software-only products to compete, and some commenters suggest that focusing on differentiation and software development is a better strategy than shifting to hardware.
• The app's installation instructions, including the use of ffmpeg, have been criticized as unclear or incorrect, and some commenters have suggested alternative methods for installing the required software.
• Some users have expressed interest in contributing to the development of the app or similar projects, despite lacking experience with certain programming languages or technologies.
• The app's data storage requirements, estimated to be around 100-200 GB per year, are considered manageable by some commenters, but may still be a concern for users with limited storage space.