HAINT User Guide

When to use: Interviews, presentations, negotiations, any situation requiring real-time contextual hints.

How it works:

1. Press Shift — recording starts
2. Speak or listen to your interlocutor (HAINT captures system audio)
3. Press Ctrl — request is sent, AI analyzes context
4. Receive concise hints via headphones and/or text window

Settings (Settings → AI Hints):

• Response Detail Level: Keywords only or More Informative (Pro only)
• Narration Mode: Continuous / Beep on separators / Pause on separators (Pro only)
• User Context (optional): Attach a text file (up to 20 KB) with context (price list, contract, etc.) — AI will prioritize this information (Pro only)

When to use: Multilingual meetings, international calls, foreign language videos, offline negotiations.

How it works:

1. Press Shift — recording starts
2. HAINT listens to audio (system sound + microphone)
3. Press Ctrl — receive a concise translation/summary
4. After response, recording automatically resumes (auto-capture)

Features:

• Translation is not word-for-word but compact, conveying the essence
• Automatic recording continuation after each translation
• Works in real-time

When to use: Meetings, lectures, interviews, negotiations — when you need to extract and save only key facts.

How it works:

1. Press Shift — recording starts with limited context window (45/90/150 seconds)
2. HAINT listens only to the last N seconds (sliding window)
3. Press Ctrl — facts are extracted (names, dates, numbers, addresses, decisions)
4. After extraction, recording automatically resumes

Features:

• TTS is always disabled (silent operation)
• Text responses are always saved
• Only the last context window is kept (old audio is automatically deleted)
• If no facts found, response is: "—"

Settings (Settings → Steno):

• Context Window: Short (45s) / Normal (90s) / Long (150s — Pro only)

Note about audio devices:

• HAINT automatically detects microphone and output device at startup
• Hints are output only to "safe" devices (headphones/headset)
• Speaker output is not supported for privacy reasons

Note: The "Audio narration" setting (enable/disable TTS) is located in Settings → General, not in Narration.

Window controls:

• Drag: click and drag the window
• Resize: pull the edges
• Position and size are saved automatically

Viewing history:

• Settings → Saved Sessions tab
• Shows list of saved sessions with date, time, and memo (short reminder text about the session)
• Each session displays: date, time, and memo text (or "(no memo)" if no memo is set)
• View button: Opens session in web browser with messenger-style interface
  • Audio recordings and screenshots displayed on the right
  • AI text responses displayed on the left
  • All content in chronological order
• Memo button: Opens a dialog to add or edit a short reminder text about what this specific session is about
• X button: Delete session
• Folder management: "Root Folder..." (change storage location), "Open Folder" (open in file explorer)
• Default location: %LOCALAPPDATA%/HAINT/History/

When to use: When your question requires visual context (code in IDE, document, error on screen).

How to use:

1. Start recording (Shift)
2. Long-press Right Alt (≥600 ms) — take screenshot
   • Without Right Ctrl: Replace previous screenshot (1 short beep)
   • With Right Ctrl: Add to existing (2 short beeps, max 4)
3. Press Ctrl — screenshots are attached to request automatically

Settings:

• Settings → General → Screenshot Capture → "Capture monitor" — select monitor
• Screenshots are automatically downscaled to 1920px on the long side

Limitations:

• Maximum 4 screenshots per request (Pro/Trial) or 1 screenshot (Pay-as-you-go)
• Screenshots can only be taken during active recording (after Shift)
• Short press Right Alt (<600 ms) — toggles text visibility (same as Alt)

When to use: When you need AI to use your data (price list, contract, documentation) instead of general knowledge.

How to use:

1. Settings → AI Hints → "User Context (optional)"
2. Option 1: Paste text directly into the text field
3. Option 2: Click "Choose File..." and select a .txt file (up to 20 KB)
4. Save settings

Limitations:

• Maximum 20 KB (~2,500-4,000 words)
• Text files only (.txt)
• Context is loaded on each connection (may take a few seconds)

Q: Why doesn't HAINT hear audio from Zoom/Teams?
A: Check that Windows sound settings for the application have output set to "Console" or "Communications" role. HAINT captures system audio via WASAPI loopback. Also ensure your microphone is connected and working (HAINT automatically detects it at startup).

Q: Can I use speakers instead of headphones?
A: No, for privacy reasons HAINT outputs hints only to headphones/headset. This ensures others in the room won't hear your hints. HAINT automatically detects safe devices at startup.

Q: Can I manually select microphone or headphones?
A: No, HAINT automatically detects microphone and output device at startup. Manual device selection in settings is not available.

Q: How do I check my balance of paid minutes?
A: Hover over the HAINT tray icon — balance is shown in the tooltip. Also available in Settings → General → Account Section.

Q: What happens when my balance runs out?
A: HAINT will block starting a new session and direct you to Settings for top-up. A warning is shown when balance is low.

Q: Hotkeys aren't working
A: Check:

• HAINT is running and icon is visible in tray
• You're not pressing other keys simultaneously (chord rule)
• No conflicts with other applications (global hotkeys)

Q: Can I change the hotkeys?
A: In the current version, hotkeys are fixed. Customizable hotkeys are planned for future updates.

Q: What's the difference between AI Hints and Translate?
A:

• AI Hints: Provides contextual hints and advice based on the conversation
• Translate: Translates/summarizes what was said in another language

Q: When should I use Steno mode?
A: When you need to extract only facts (names, dates, numbers) from a long conversation, not a full transcription. Steno automatically continues recording after each extraction.

Q: Can I switch between modes during a session?
A: Yes, but the current session will be reset (ESC). It's recommended to finish the current session before switching.

Q: How do I disable TTS but keep text responses?
A: Settings → General → uncheck "Audio narration", keep "Text display" enabled.

Q: Where is session history stored?
A: By default in %LOCALAPPDATA%/HAINT/History/. Can be changed in Settings (if History tab is available).

Q: Can I use multiple monitors for screenshots?
A: Yes, in Settings → General → Screenshot Capture, select the desired monitor from the list.

Q: Does HAINT use a lot of internet bandwidth?
A: Yes, as audio is streamed in real-time. A stable internet connection is recommended (minimum 1 Mbps).

Q: Can I use HAINT offline?
A: No, HAINT requires a server connection to work with OpenAI Realtime API.

Q: How do I update HAINT?
A: HAINT checks for updates automatically at startup and every 4 hours. When an update is available, a notification appears in the tray. Updates are installed automatically with a restart.