Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers about the Ortho beta: what it is, what it needs, and how it treats your data.
What is Ortho?
Ortho learns the position you actually work in, using the sensors already in your Mac, and gives you a nudge when you have drifted out of it for a while, on-device, without a window in your face or getting in the way of your work. There is no single correct posture it holds you to. The one it watches is yours.
What do I need to run it?
Any Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later) running macOS 14 Sonoma or later, and either a camera or compatible AirPods or Beats. Ortho needs at least one of those two to read anything at all, and the camera on its own is the fuller experience. Mac motion hardware adds context on top. See Compatibility for the full list.
Is the camera on all the time?
Continuous tracking is the default, or you can choose periodic camera checks every 5, 10, or 15 minutes. The camera indicator appears during capture; between periodic checks, Ortho cannot observe your position through the camera. Pausing Ortho stops sensing and reminders until you resume.
Periodic mode starts at a 5-minute interval. You can change the interval in Settings; the gaps between checks are not treated as continuous evidence of your posture.
Turning off just the camera lets compatible AirPods continue tracking head tilt. Turning off both leaves Ortho without a posture reading.
Can I use Ortho during video calls?
Ortho automatically pauses camera tracking during video calls and suppresses reminders during calls and screen sharing. Camera tracking resumes afterward unless you manually paused Ortho or turned the camera off.
Compatible AirPods can continue head-tilt tracking while camera tracking is paused for a call. Manual Pause stops all sensing, including AirPods, until you resume.
Will it remind me every time I move?
No—temporary movement alone does not trigger a reminder; Ortho looks for sustained drift from your calibrated working position. You can adjust the reminder delay and cooldown, and reminders are held while Focus is on. Changing position throughout the day is encouraged.
The default reminder delay is 4 minutes, followed by a 12-minute cooldown. In periodic camera mode, the gaps between checks do not count as observed drift.
If a reading does not fit what you are doing, pause Ortho and check your camera view and calibration. Recalibrate after changing your camera position or desk setup.
How does it affect battery and CPU usage?
Camera tracking uses your Mac's camera and processing resources. You can choose periodic checks, use compatible AirPods for head-tilt tracking with the camera off, or pause sensing entirely. Resource use depends on your Mac and the tracking mode you choose.
Continuous mode observes through the camera while tracking is active. Periodic mode captures only during scheduled checks, so changes between checks are not observed by the camera.
Can I use it without a camera?
Yes—compatible AirPods or Beats can track head tilt without camera access. Headphone tracking covers head tilt only; camera tracking adds face and upper-body information.
What does Ortho save or send?
Posture analysis works offline, and your calibration and preferences stay on your Mac. Ortho does not save photos, video, raw sensor samples, or numerical session recordings, and it does not upload posture data. AirPods provide motion readings, not microphone audio.
Calibration records your working position and usual movement around it; preferences store the settings you choose. These are stored separately, and uninstalling the app alone can leave local data behind.
The website is separate: beta signup sends your email to our email provider, and the site uses aggregate, cookieless analytics.
What will it cost after beta?
The private beta is free. Pricing after beta has not been announced.
How do I set up Ortho?
Enable the inputs you want to use and grant their requested permissions. For camera tracking, face your main screen with your face and upper body visible, then calibrate in a comfortable working position with your back supported and shoulders relaxed.
After calibration, check that Ortho shows an active reading for the inputs you selected. If an input is unavailable, check its permissions, improve the camera view, or reconnect your headphones; an unavailable input is not an in-range reading.
Recalibrate after changing the camera position or desk setup. Use Pause whenever you want to stop sensing and reminders; resume when you are ready to continue.
Is Ortho a medical device?
No. Ortho is a wellness and informational aid, not a medical device. Its posture signals are estimates, not medical advice. See the health disclaimer in our Terms of Service.
How do I join the beta?
Leave your email through the signup. Before providing access, we’ll confirm eligibility and ask you to accept the beta terms by email. The beta is for ages 16 and over, with guardian permission where required. Product news and offers are a separate, optional choice.
How do I leave or unsubscribe?
Beta updates and product marketing emails include an unsubscribe or preference link. Unsubscribing does not necessarily delete your record. To request deletion, email hey@ortho.so. Our Privacy Policy covers deletion.
Still have a question?
Email us at hey@ortho.so. We're happy to help.