Wave

Selection Mode offers a powerful way to edit existing text using voice. You highlight any text in any app, hold the shortcut, and speak an instruction such as 'fix the grammar' or 'make shorter'. Wave then rewrites the selected text in place, replacing it with the refined version. This is useful for proofreading, adjusting tone, or condensing content. Common commands include fixing grammar, making text shorter, generating a reply agreeing with someone, or making text more professional. This feature integrates seamlessly with any app that supports text selection, from emails to code comments. It saves time by eliminating the need to manually edit or rewrite, and it works with the same one-key activation pattern as regular dictation.

Wave operates as a background service that is always ready. The workflow is simple: press and hold the Right Option key, speak your words or instruction, and release to insert. No launcher, no mode switching. The app uses either local Whisper or Groq depending on your settings. For standard dictation, Whisper transcribes audio locally, processing in memory without storing. For faster transcription or AI rewrites, Groq is used but requires your own API key. The entire interaction is designed to be instantaneous and non-intrusive. Wave supports both dictation and command modes, where you can give instructions for AI rewriting. The app is lightweight and does not collect any telemetry or usage data. It works across all apps, from Mail to Slack to code editors.

Real-world scenarios include a busy professional dictating a meeting summary directly into Notion while staying engaged in the conversation. A developer can write code comments by voice, speeding up documentation. A writer can draft an article in one go by speaking rough ideas, then use Selection Mode to polish sentences. For social media, a marketer can quickly compose tweets by dictating the intent. The outcomes are consistently faster text input, reduced typographical errors, and the ability to work hands-free. Users report completing tasks in less time and with less effort. Wave also enables multitasking—like dictating an email while reviewing a document. The app's low latency and seamless cursor insertion make it feel like an extension of your keyboard.

Wave is tailored for macOS users on version 14 (Sonoma) or later, supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel processors. The app is free and open source, with no paid tiers for the base dictation. Users who want Groq-hosted features pay only for the API usage through their own Groq account. Tech stack includes Whisper for local inference and Groq for cloud transcription and LLM rewrites. The target audience spans professionals, developers, writers, and anyone who types extensively. Privacy-conscious users appreciate the local option, while speed seekers can leverage Groq. With no accounts, no telemetry, and a clean design, Wave delivers a dictation experience that prioritizes user control and efficiency. Ultimately, it eliminates friction from voice input, making it a compelling choice for any Mac user looking to boost productivity.