Side

A new desktop application named Side has launched for Mac computers powered by Apple processors, according to the developer's website. The tool places a small conversation window right beside the desktop Dock, allowing users to summon an assistant instantly through a keyboard shortcut.

Instead of running its own underlying intelligence service, the app asks users to connect their own credentials from third-party providers such as OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic. For everyday computer users, this design makes it simple to polish written drafts or look up information without switching away from active work windows. The developer states that conversations and account keys remain saved locally on the device, and the software does not inspect screen contents or execute system commands.

Certain technical details are still being finalised, including which older versions of Apple's operating system can run the application. Additionally, requiring people to manage individual developer accounts and billing cycles across different vendors could create extra friction for casual users who prefer single subscription pricing. It is also unclear whether a basic chat interface will be enough to compete as tech platforms build deeper assistant capabilities directly into desktop operating systems.