Backgrind

Backgrind is designed to run AI agents seamlessly over any application, including fullscreen games, without requiring users to stay tethered to a terminal. It provides an always-on-top window that only pings the user when an actual decision or input is required from them. This allows for continuous work or entertainment while AI tasks are being processed in the background. The core problem Backgrind addresses is the inefficiency and distraction of traditional AI agent workflows. Users often find themselves babysitting terminals, unable to perform other tasks or enjoy their applications. This leads to lost productivity and a fragmented user experience. Backgrind aims to solve this by integrating AI agent interaction directly into the user's existing workflow, minimizing interruptions and maximizing parallel activity. One of the key features is the always-on-top window. This window floats over any application, ensuring the AI agent's status and any required interactions are readily visible. It can be made semi-transparent and configured for click-through, meaning it remains present without obstructing the user's primary application. This design ensures that the AI agent is accessible but not intrusive. Another significant capability is the selective notification system. Backgrind is engineered to only alert the user when a decision is genuinely needed. This threshold-based notification system prevents constant interruptions, allowing users to focus on their current task or game. When an interaction is required, the system provides a clear prompt, such as a simple yes/no option, which can be handled with a single tap or click. Backgrind supports multiple AI agents simultaneously through its multi-agent tabs feature. This allows users to manage and interact with several AI tasks concurrently. The system can distinguish between different agents and their specific needs, providing context-aware prompts. This is particularly useful for complex projects or when managing diverse AI-driven processes. For users seeking a zero-setup experience, Backgrind includes 'Grindy,' a built-in agent. This agent is pre-configured and ready to use, simplifying the onboarding process. Alternatively, users can bring their own preferred AI agents, such as Claude Code or Cursor, integrating them into the Backgrind environment. This flexibility caters to both novice and advanced users. The product operates on a local-first principle, emphasizing user privacy and data ownership. User logins and history are managed locally, meaning sensitive information does not need to be shared with new third-party services. For voice interactions, on-device transcription using whisper.cpp is employed, ensuring that audio data remains on the user's machine. The primary benefit for users is enhanced productivity and a more fluid workflow. By minimizing interruptions and allowing parallel task execution, Backgrind frees up users to engage in other activities, whether it's coding, emailing, or gaming, while their AI agents work in the background. The system ensures that user interaction is only solicited when it directly impacts the outcome of an AI task. Concrete use cases include developers running code generation or debugging agents while simultaneously working on other parts of their project or even playing a game. Researchers could monitor data analysis agents while drafting reports, or designers could oversee AI-powered asset generation while working on mockups. The system is versatile enough to support various professional and personal workflows. Backgrind is available for macOS and Windows. It supports bringing your own CLI agents like Claude Code and Cursor, or using the built-in Grindy agent. Privacy is a key consideration, with local-first data handling and on-device voice transcription. Specific pricing or plan details are not explicitly mentioned in the provided content. In essence, Backgrind redefines AI agent interaction by moving it out of the terminal and into an unobtrusive, always-accessible overlay, ensuring users are only engaged when their input is critical, thereby maximizing productivity and user experience.