# Quickstart

Welcome to Airbounce Help! Airbounce is designed to enhance your remote work setup, making it easier to stay connected and productive. This guide covers everything needed to get started.

<figure><img src="/files/UeIayXbZsUxfQXaX5DiP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## First steps

{% hint style="info" %}
You can skip any step if you won’t use the functionality or prefer to configure it later.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### **Connect your calendar**

You'll be prompted to allow Apple Calendar access so Airbounce can display your schedule, allowing you to join calls in seconds.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/jRIKtanCR3BfAcxUTu4q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Enable mic toggle**

You'll be prompted to enable mic toggle so Airbounce can integrate with Zoom, allowing you to control and check your mic status (muted/unmuted). To do this, Airbounce needs **Accessibility permission**.

<figure><img src="/files/ihthtE6HHQK5cHJa8Zf2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Connect your home office lights**&#x20;

You'll be prompted to allow **Automation (Shortcuts Events)** permission, enabling Airbounce to control your home office lights for a better visibility of your mic status to let you and your surroundings know if you are muted, unmuted or on a call.

<figure><img src="/files/tUviDTHOhepbKTCOTuZX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Need to review or set up permissions later?

Go to the **Airbounce menu > Quick Setup**, and you can go through the initial steps anytime.

<figure><img src="/files/RTfnbgDHmFoYkUnIHzsL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Enable start at login

With **Start at Login** enabled, Airbounce opens automatically, so you’re always ready to hop on a call and control your mic instantly.

### Keep your mic status visible

To ensure your mic status is always visible, hold the **⌘ Command** key while **dragging** the Airbounce icon in your menu bar to your desired position. This is especially useful when juggling multiple apps in the menu bar, as the icons on the right will still be accessible.

<figure><img src="/files/BXVwq0EBsjnR9rKUd1KZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

Need more help? If you encounter any issues or have questions, reach out to **<hello@airbounce.co>**.


# Join call

Quickly view your schedule by tapping Caps Lock and join meetings with one click or keyboard navigation.

<figure><img src="/files/RJwsdXdCfOFe3J4CboRT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**View your schedule**: When not on a call, simply tap **Caps Lock** to see your daily schedule without opening your calendar. Stay focused and on top of your upcoming events.

{% hint style="info" %}
Once Airbounce is running, the Caps Lock key is disabled for traditional typing (writing in ALL CAPS) and is repurposed for Airbounce functions like **joining a call**, toggling the mic, or leaving a call. If you still want to write in capitals, you can use **SHIFT + letter** instead.
{% endhint %}

**Join a call in seconds**: When a meeting is less than 5 minutes away, Airbounce offers a **one-click** join option. Prefer using the keyboard? Navigate with the **arrow keys** and press **Enter** to join. This works across Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and more.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: The mute/unmute feature currently works only with Zoom.
{% endhint %}

**Free time visualization**: Airbounce highlights free periods of 30 minutes or more between meetings, helping you plan for deep work. Shorter breaks are hidden to minimize distractions.

**Dark mode**: Choose **Light** or **Dark Mode** based on your macOS settings for a visually comfortable experience.

### How to set it up:

1. Launch **Airbounce**.
2. Tap **Caps Lock** to see your schedule before joining a call.
3. For calendar access, enable it in Airbounce by clicking "Open Calendar Permissions."

<figure><img src="/files/91uM191MbnBlXPvLBte4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Calendar access settings</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip**: Want to see, e.g., **Google Calendar** events? Configure your Apple Calendar to sync with your Google Calendar. Open the Calendar app, go to **Calendar > Preferences > Accounts,** click "**+**", **select Google**, and **sign in**. Your Google Calendar will then sync with Apple Calendar. **Once synced**, you'll see your daily events in Airbounce's schedule.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/JSHU9bjvXcsji2a4v35h" alt=""><figcaption><p>Apple Calendar's account configuration</p></figcaption></figure>

***

Need more help? If you encounter any issues or have questions, reach out to **<hello@airbounce.co>**.


# Toggle mic

The fast mic toggle feature lets you mute and unmute instantly during your Zoom call. The updated on-screen mic status display also seamlessly blends with macOS.

<figure><img src="/files/dIyqH4ymqsPGlXu4WDyN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Mic toggle**: Instantly mute or unmute your microphone during Zoom call with enhanced responsiveness. Whether you're using **Caps Lock** or Zoom's mute button, your visual indicators will always appear, ensuring you know your mic status at all times.

{% hint style="info" %}
Once Airbounce is running, the Caps Lock key is disabled for traditional typing (writing in ALL CAPS) and is repurposed for Airbounce functions like joining a call, **toggling the mic**, or leaving a call. If you still want to write in capitals, you can use **SHIFT + letter** instead.
{% endhint %}

**On-screen display**: The mic status now integrates seamlessly with macOS, matching its look and feel. The display is optimized for both light and dark modes, providing the sleek appearance you expect on your Mac.

<figure><img src="/files/qbDKyAPmDmVPXU6VwQ5B" alt=""><figcaption><p>On-screen display showing that the microphone is unmuted.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Menu bar indicator**: The mic status indicator in the menu bar provides complementary status, especially useful in poor lighting conditions when the Caps Lock LED green light may not be visible. This feature is configurable; you can turn the indicator on or off using the **Airbounce menu > Show Mic Status**. The status will only appear when a Zoom call is active and can be customized to be turned off if preferred.

<figure><img src="/files/a9Hd1Gh8zseMlEXUqh5s" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How to use

1. **Join a Zoom call** using Airbounce.
2. **Press Caps Lock (or Zoom's mute button)** to mute or unmute as needed.&#x20;
3. The **on-screen display** will update instantly, showing your mic status with a design that matches your macOS theme.

***

Need more help? If you encounter any issues or have questions, reach out to **<hello@airbounce.co>**.


# Leave call

Airbounce makes leaving Zoom calls quick and easy. With this update, you can exit a call using a simple shortcut, avoiding the hassle of finding the leave button or ending the meeting for everyone.

* **Shortcut**: Press **Shift + CapsLock** during a call.
* **Hold time**: Hold the keys for **more than 2 seconds** to leave the call. **If Released Early**: Releasing the keys within 2 seconds will keep you in the meeting.

<figure><img src="/files/pqo4zKtQEoReMeBftM3D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Once Airbounce is running, the Caps Lock key is disabled for traditional typing (writing in ALL CAPS) and is repurposed for Airbounce functions like joining a call, toggling the mic, or **leaving a call**. If you still want to write in capitals, you can use **SHIFT + letter** instead.
{% endhint %}

## Multiscreen support

If you're multitasking in another app or on a different screen, this feature will automatically bring the Zoom meeting window to the front when you trigger the shortcut, making sure you can leave the call easily.

<figure><img src="/files/DgokIZKRJrNzPKfp6qB4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

Need more help? If you encounter any issues or have questions, reach out to **<hello@airbounce.co>**.


# Home office lights

This guide will help you integrate your HomeKit-compatible smart lights with Airbounce to enhance your home office setup.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Experimental**: This functionality is currently in the labs. Your [feedback](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbgwP9jtin7bM28IgWugWaNCUZV-90KiL36o1uhKp0Sz1RGw/viewform) is appreciated as we continue to improve it!
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/7hGDvL4s1evIBw44kV1K" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Why integrate HomeKit with Airbounce?**

By connecting Airbounce to your HomeKit smart lights, you can:

* **Visually indicate call status:** Easily show if you’re muted, unmuted, or on a call.
* **Enhance communication:** Let your family or roommates know your status without interrupting your workflow.
* **Create a professional environment:** Maintain a clear signal of your availability during work hours.

## **How it works**

Airbounce leverages Apple Shortcuts to communicate with your HomeKit devices. By creating specific shortcuts, Airbounce can change the lighting in your home to reflect your call status—whether you're muted, unmuted, or on a call.

## **Getting started**

1. **Ensure compatibility:**
   * Verify that your smart lights are HomeKit-compatible (e.g. Philips Hue, etc.)
   * Ensure Airbounce is installed and up-to-date.
2. **Connect HomeKit with Airbounce:**

   * [Download](#download-shortcuts) the Shortcut template
   * Add the Airbounce Shortcut to your Home shortcuts library

   <figure><img src="/files/QfpIhJC7UXPaGJrEKEqn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. **Configure Airbounce:**
   * Go to Airbounce's Quick Setup settings and navigate to the 'Enhance Your Home Office Lightning' steps.
   * Review the permission settings and grant the permission if necessary.
   * Enable the 'Sync HomeKit Lights' in the Airbounce's menu bar
4. **Customize your Shortcut template**
   * Open the Home app on macOS (or using your iPhone, when connected using same Apple ID).&#x20;
   * Modify the downloaded shortcut template, adjusting the light settings for different call statuses (muted, unmuted, on a call).
   * **Note**: Do not change the input text values: "Idle", "Muted", "Unmuted" as those are parameters are passed from Airbounce into the Shortcut.
5. **Test your setup:**
   * Make a test call to check if the lights change according to your call status. (e.g. muted, unmuted, idle – not on a call).

## Shortcuts templates

### Download

* [Muted/Unmuted/Idle](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/53fe0bba711742f283bd3b7460a7b64a) – A template that updates three colors—red when muted, green when unmuted, and light blue when idle.

### Customization

{% hint style="info" %}
For detailed information, check out the official Apple Shortcuts [guide](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/shortcuts-mac/apdf22b0444c/mac).
{% endhint %}

Airbounce uses three key input parameters to control your HomeKit Shortcut, which adjust your smart lights based on your call status:

1. **Idle** - Indicates when you’re not on a call. Typically used to set a neutral light color or turn it off.
2. **Muted** - Shows when your microphone is muted. The default is red color.
3. **Unmuted** - Represents when your microphone is active. The default is green color.

These string values are passed to your HomeKit shortcuts, which you can customize in the Shortcuts app to match your preferred colors for each status.

<figure><img src="/files/uJ1TpL7TO3AZcgsYXEOf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Apple Shortcuts Events permission**

To ensure smooth operation, Airbounce requires permission to use Apple Shortcuts events. This permission allows Airbounce to automatically update your lights when you change your call status in Airbounce.

<figure><img src="/files/DYS27CtCkOhY0ntOQDwz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Setting up**

1. **Grant permission:** When setting up the integration, make sure to grant Airbounce access to your Apple Shortcuts events.
2. **Create Shortcut:** Follow the setup instructions in Airbounce to create and customize shortcuts for your HomeKit devices.

## **Troubleshooting**

* **Permission issues:** If your lights aren’t responding, check your Apple Shortcuts settings to ensure Airbounce has the necessary permissions.
* **Lights not responding:** Ensure your HomeKit devices are connected to the same network as your Mac and that Airbounce has the necessary permissions.
* **Integration issues:** Restart both Airbounce and your HomeKit devices. Check for software updates for both Airbounce and your HomeKit-enabled device.

***

Need more help? If you encounter any issues or have questions, reach out to **<hello@airbounce.co>**.


# Releases 🎉

## October 13, 2024

Version 1.0.5

### Fixes and improvements:

* Added a new configuration option that allows users to enable or disable syncing of smart lights via the HomeKit integration. This option addresses short delays of mute/unmute responses at the start of the call during for users who do not use HomeKit smart lights.

  <figure><img src="/files/dnS3Iwo915PdokT9YY1B" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
* Fixed an occasional issue where ending a call using Shift+Capslock could cause the screen animation to get stuck and keep cycling in a loop.
* Fixed an issue where indicators were not initially updated to reflect the mute status when a call started.

## September 15, 2024

Version 1.0.4

This updated improves CapsLock behavior when toggling "My Schedule" overview.

## September 14, 2024

Version 1.0.3

Added support for multiple Zoom language translations.

## September 14, 2024

Version 1.0.2

### Fixes and improvements:

* This update fixes issues with unstable license activation.
* 📚 Released first version of documentation, available at [help.airbounce.co](https://help.airbounce.co).

## September 13, 2024

Version 1.0.1

This release enhances the in-app onboarding and configuration for Apple HomeKit integrations, enabling you to sync your OnAir / mic status with your smart lights.

## September 12, 2024

Version 1.0.0 • Launched on [Producthunt](https://www.producthunt.com/products/airbounce-for-mac#airbounce-for-mac)! 🚀

### Announcing Airbounce version 1.0 🎉

<figure><img src="/files/Khc9eCICdK4J9bO0jCoq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

I’m excited to introduce Airbounce for Mac – a magic button for easier calls (currently for Zoom).

I originally built this for myself but soon realized many people struggle with muting/unmuting during meetings, especially on modern Macs and Zoom. During the pandemic, this issue became even more apparent, and I wanted to create a better solution. This is the designer in me talking—I can’t stand subpar interactions, especially when they’re frequently painful.

At first, I designed and built a physical button prototype, but due to patent restrictions, I discontinued it (another story). On a software level, I knew I couldn’t improve much, since the real problem is that the mute status isn’t visible in the physical world to the user or their surroundings (like when working from home). Luckily, I later had an intriguing idea to explore: there's a button that can solve this problem — Caps Lock, everyone already has it and it has a green light indicator. No hardware needs to be bought or shipped (which I liked even more). Plus, the Caps Lock key is kind of a relic, and today there are better ways to emphasize text using modern styles.

Along the way, I identified more pain points, like how joining or leaving calls often takes too many clicks or how frustrating it is to leave a meeting, often accidentally ending the call for everyone else! 😅

👉 Now, I’m making Airbounce available to everyone.

#### ✨ Key Features:&#x20;

* View your daily schedule&#x20;
* Join and leave calls instantly
* Mute/unmute easily from any Mac space
* Visual indicators:&#x20;
  * LED – the green light on Caps Lock
  * Menu bar mic status
  * On-screen display
  * Apple Shortcut integration with HomeKit-enabled smart lights; project mic status (e.g., red/green) behind your screen—acting like an "on-air" indicator so others in your home know when it’s okay to talk! This last indicator is experimental.

#### **👩🏻‍💻 Who’s it for?**

* MacOS users in frequent Zoom meetings looking for a simpler workflow
* Home office users who want to improve their remote working environment with their roommates or family

## September 10, 2024

Version 0.6 • Private Beta

### New feature: Sync your home office lights 💡

Enhance your #WFH setup with Airbounce!\
\
Let Apple HomeKit control your lights to signal when you're #OnAir during Zoom calls—just like in a live radio studio. No more interruptions from family or roommates; they’ll know when you're in a meeting.\
\
Stay focused and boost productivity.

<figure><img src="/files/sRUIi8fcRZHVhY85PHgN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## August 8, 2024

Version 0.5 • Private Beta

New Airbounce v0.5 is out! 🎉

### New feature: Leave Zoom call in a snap!

You can now cancel the “Press to leave Zoom meeting” action by releasing **Shift+CapsLock**. The animation will reverse to visually support the cancellation.

Also, added a transition that makes the Zoom window look like it’s imploding as it closes, etc.

### Fixes and improvements:

* Enjoy improved mic mute toggling (improved synchronization)
* Added sleek on-screen mic status display to match macOS look and feel

<figure><img src="/files/pqo4zKtQEoReMeBftM3D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Thanks for your feedback – it made this update awesome!

## July 25, 2024

Version 0.4.7 • Private Beta

This version introduces a new shortcut for quick and easy feedback sharing. 🎁

<figure><img src="/files/mvYNRV5UfzhdXGywShzh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## July 17, 2024

Version 0.4 • Private Beta

In the last two weeks, I've finally had a chance to refocus on Airbounce, designing and building a new workflow that enhances how you join calls.

### New feature: Join a call in a snap!

The latest Airbounce 0.4 update is out, focusing on boosting call productivity! 🔥

<figure><img src="/files/uokx3XmiqP7waHknCDcn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### See What's Upcoming

When not on a call, tap Caps Lock to view your daily schedule without needing to search for your calendar, keeping you focused.

#### Join a Call in a Snap

When the event is approaching (less than 5 minutes away), you'll be offered the option to join with a single click. Keyboard enthusiast? Use the arrow keys and hit Enter!&#x20;

🎁 You can join calls on **Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Around**, etc. **Note**: The mute/unmute functionality currently works only with Zoom.

#### See Your Free Time

Airbounce helps calculate free time between meetings (30 minutes or longer) so you can easily spot time for your deep work. Shorter free periods are not visualized to avoid visual clutter, as I believe only longer sessions allow for deeper focus. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

#### Ergonomic, Keyboard First

Full keyboard support boosts your productivity and focus.

#### Dark mode included

Besides Light mode, you can choose Dark mode, driven by your macOS system settings. Just go to System Preferences > Appearance > Light/Dark.

## October 28, 2023

Version 0.3 • Private Beta

### Initial release: Mute/unmute and see your mic status

🎉 I'm so excited to announce that Airbounce is now in private beta! Last Monday, I had the pleasure of onboarding the first 30 users, and I can't wait to send out more invites every week.

Take a peek at how it works in this quick [1 min demo](https://www.loom.com/share/63984a01f87248c8a9f08d7ea86e1df2?sid=e56526b2-57c1-4ca3-8504-9eb47dfd03ed).

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/63984a01f87248c8a9f08d7ea86e1df2?sid=83e75f5d-7fee-4592-8882-a6fc5c710128>" %}

🎤 Mute with Ease: Just press the caps lock on your keyboard, and you're muted or unmuted in a snap! A helpful on-screen display confirms the action.

🟢 See Your Mic Status: Instantly know if you're muted or ready to talk with a clear visual indicator on your keyboard(s) and in the menu bar!

👩‍💻 Multitasking Made Easy: Airbounce works in various contexts, allowing you to control your audio on different screens or spaces while using Zoom.

🔄 Works 2-Way: Mute/unmute actions are seamlessly updated both on your keyboard and the Zoom interface, including the menu bar.

🌈 Any Keyboard: Airbounce functions perfectly even if you're using an external keyboard, like when your MacBook closed.