Poke Gate connects Poke AI assistants to Mac computers through a secure MCP (Model Context Protocol) tunnel. The app establishes a two-way communication channel that allows AI agents to execute terminal commands, access files, and capture screenshots on the local machine while maintaining authentication controls.
The system provides full shell access to run any terminal command available on macOS - including git, brew, Python scripts, and curl requests. File operations support reading, writing, and listing directories, giving AI agents filesystem visibility. Screenshot capabilities enable remote screen capture for visual context. These core tools operate through a WebSocket tunnel that requires Poke OAuth authentication before establishing connections.
The macOS menu bar application built with SwiftUI displays real-time connection status and manages authentication flows. On first launch, the app guides users through selecting an access mode (Full, Limited, or Sandbox) and granting required Accessibility permissions. The menu bar indicator shows a green dot when connected and provides quick access to connection details. The app auto-connects on startup and auto-restarts if the connection drops.
Agents provide scheduled automation capabilities. These background scripts can run on intervals to automate tasks like message digests, backups, or health checks. The agent system integrates with the same tool set available for interactive sessions. Users can create custom agents or install community-contributed ones through the agent system.
Installation options include Homebrew (brew install f/tap/poke-gate), manual download from GitHub Releases, or CLI-only mode via npm (npx poke-gate). The application requires macOS Accessibility permissions to automate keyboard and mouse actions and capture screenshots. The software is released under the MIT License and maintained as a community project independent of Poke or The Interaction Company.
The app functions as a bridge rather than a standalone tool. It requires an existing Poke AI assistant account and active subscription. Security depends on Poke’s OAuth authentication - only authenticated users can establish tunnel connections. Local machine access permissions are granted at the system level through macOS permission dialogs. The app is not notarized by Apple, requiring manual security approval via terminal command on first launch.
The primary use case targets developers and power users who need AI assistance with local development environments. Remote workers can leverage the tool for automated system monitoring or file operations across machines. The agent system suits users who benefit from scheduled automation triggered by time or events. The app requires technical comfort with terminal commands and understanding of filesystem permissions.
