Overview
Aether ("Aether", "the app") is a native macOS application developed by PointBlue Technology. Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains what data Aether does and does not collect, and what happens when you use its optional network features.
The short version: Aether does not collect, transmit, or store your data on our servers. Your requests, responses, and collections stay on your Mac. Your API traffic goes only to the endpoints you choose to call. The one request Aether makes on its own is to the Kickstart Exchange cross-promotion service described below, which sends app-level information only — never your requests, responses, or collections, and nothing that identifies you.
Data Collection
Aether does not collect any personal data about you. Specifically:
- No personal information is collected, requested, or stored by us.
- No usage analytics or telemetry are collected by PointBlue Technology. Aether contains no analytics frameworks and no crash-reporting services, and we receive no data about how you use the app.
- No account is required to use Aether.
- No cookies or advertising identifiers are used, and Aether does not track you across apps or websites.
- PointBlue Technology operates no servers that receive your requests, responses, credentials, or collections.
Aether does include the Kickstart Exchange SDK, which shares a small amount of app-level information in order to show app recommendations. See Kickstart Exchange below for exactly what is sent.
Your Requests & Data
Aether is an API client, so making network requests is its core function. When you send a request, it goes directly from your Mac to the endpoint you specify — never through PointBlue Technology. Request URLs, headers, bodies, responses, environment variables, and console history are stored locally on your device and are never transmitted to us.
Collections & Local Storage
- Collections, chains, and environments are stored as files on your Mac in a location you choose, and can be managed with git entirely on your device.
- Preferences and window state are stored locally using standard macOS mechanisms and never leave your device.
- Secrets and credentials (such as OAuth tokens and API keys you enter) are stored using the macOS Keychain and are not transmitted to us.
Built-in MCP Server
Aether includes an optional Model Context Protocol (MCP) server so AI agents and other tools can drive the app. When enabled, this server listens on localhost (your machine only). It is not exposed to the internet, and PointBlue Technology has no access to it. Any tool that connects is one you run and authorize on your own computer.
AI Features (Bring Your Own Key)
Aether's optional in-app AI agent uses your own API key, which you provide and which is stored in the macOS Keychain. When you use these features, requests are sent directly from your Mac to the AI provider you configured (for example, Anthropic) under your own account and their terms and privacy policy. The content you send to the model — such as request details or responses you ask it to work with — is transmitted to that provider only when you invoke an AI action. PointBlue Technology does not receive, proxy, or store any of this data. If you never configure an AI key, no AI requests are made.
On-Device Intelligence
Where Aether uses Apple's on-device Foundation Models for suggestions, that processing happens locally on Apple Intelligence-capable Macs and is not sent to PointBlue Technology or any third-party server.
Kickstart Exchange
Aether uses Kickstart Exchange, a free cross-promotion service that lets independent Apple-platform developers recommend each other's apps. It is how Aether can show you other indie apps you might like without conventional ad networks or user tracking.
When Aether requests recommendations, the Kickstart Exchange SDK sends app-level details only:
- Our Kickstart Exchange API key and Aether's bundle identifier
- The platform, and the app, build, and SDK versions
- The App Store country of the storefront
- Whether the app is running in development mode
- Where applicable, an Apple-signed App Transaction used once to verify that the install is genuine
No user or device identity is involved. Kickstart Exchange does not track individual users or devices, does not link this information to your identity, and does not use it for cross-app tracking. The signed App Transaction is used only for that one transient check and is not persisted by the SDK. Nothing about your requests, responses, collections, environments, or credentials is ever sent.
For full details, see the Kickstart Exchange privacy notice.
Third-Party Services
Apart from Kickstart Exchange, described above, Aether does not integrate with any third-party analytics, advertising, or data-collection services. The external services contacted are (1) the API endpoints you choose to call, (2) an AI provider you explicitly configure with your own key, and (3) Kickstart Exchange for app recommendations.
TestFlight Beta
Aether is currently distributed as a public beta through Apple's TestFlight. When you participate, Apple collects certain information — such as crash logs, basic usage data, and any feedback you submit — as described in Apple's Privacy Policy and Apple's TestFlight terms. Any crash reports or feedback you choose to send through TestFlight are shared with us to help improve the app and are not used to identify you personally.
Children's Privacy
Aether does not collect personal information from anyone, including children under 13. The app contains no account creation and no social features, and the only information it transmits on its own is the app-level, non-identifying data described under Kickstart Exchange above.
App Store
When Aether is distributed through the Mac App Store, Apple may collect data related to your purchase and download as described in Apple's Privacy Policy. PointBlue Technology does not have access to any purchase or download data that identifies individual users.
Changes to This Policy
If this privacy policy is updated, the revised version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or about Aether, you can reach us at:
PointBlue Technology
Email: [email protected]