Sotto
AI interview assistant for Mac
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What is Sotto?
Sotto is an invisible AI interview co-pilot desktop application for macOS, designed specifically for software engineers preparing for technical coding interviews. It sits invisibly on your screen as an overlay that provides gentle hints and guidance when you freeze under interview pressure, without being detectable by the interviewer. The tool is made by engineers for engineers who have studied LeetCode patterns and know the material but struggle with nerves, pressure, and performing during live interviews with a stranger watching every keystroke.
Key features include Problem Clarity, which captures the interview problem with one keyboard shortcut and provides a clear breakdown with optimal approach, complexity trade-offs, and edge cases in your preferred programming language. Live Transcription transcribes the interviewer in real time with sub-second latency, allowing you to hit
Sotto pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
7-day free trial for $0, then $19.99/month for Pro. The Free Trial includes 10 screenshot analyses and 10 transcription sessions per day, live transcription (bring your own key), all keyboard shortcuts, invisible overlay, and requires a Google account. The Pro plan at $19.99/month includes everything in the Free Trial: 10 screenshot analyses and 10 transcription sessions per day, live transcription included (no need to bring your own key), all keyboard shortcuts, invisible overlay, and all features.
Sotto pros
- Invisible overlay excluded from macOS screen capture at OS level
- Works on Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams without detection
- Live transcription with sub-second latency for interviewer audio
- Problem Clarity feature breaks down approach and edge cases instantly
- Supports 10 programming languages including Python, Java, C++, Go
- Global keyboard shortcuts work without touching the mouse
- Mouse pass-through mode lets clicks go through to interview platform
- Adjustable opacity and always-on-top positioning
- Screen-recording proof with no visible windows or overlays
- Both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs supported
- 7-day free trial with full feature access
- Screenshots not stored on any Sotto server for privacy
- Audio streamed for transcription and not retained
- Google sign-in required for simple authentication
- One-time macOS permissions setup for microphone and screen capture
Sotto cons
- macOS only, not available for Windows or Linux
- Requires macOS 12 Monterey or later
- Google account required to use the tool
- Only 10 screenshot analyses and 10 transcription sessions per day
- $19.99/month after 7-day free trial is ongoing cost
- Must use device microphone, not system audio for transcription
- Single monitor recommended to avoid detection flags
- User must manually type code, cannot copy-paste safely
Frequently asked questions about Sotto
Who is Sotto actually for?
Sotto is built for engineers who have put in the work — they have done the LeetCode, understand the patterns, and know their complexities. But real interviews are stressful, and stress makes you second-guess yourself. Sotto acts like a friend sitting next to you who gives a quiet nudge when your mind goes blank. It is not designed to carry you through an interview you are not prepared for — it is designed to make sure nerves do not tank one you are prepared for.
Is Sotto really invisible during screen sharing?
Yes — on macOS, Sotto excludes itself at the OS level. The window is excluded from all screen capture APIs, including Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. This works on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 12 or later.
How does Sotto help without just giving me the answer?
It can do both depending on what you need. If you are close but stuck on an edge case, glance at the approach hint and keep going. If you have blanked entirely, the full solution is there to orient you — you still have to reason through it out loud with your interviewer. Think of it less like autocomplete and more like having a knowledgeable friend on standby.
Does Sotto record or store my audio or screenshots?
No. Screenshots are compressed and sent directly to an AI API for analysis — they are not stored on any Sotto server. Audio is streamed for transcription and is not retained.
What macOS version do I need?
macOS 12 Monterey or later is required. Both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel Macs are supported. The screen-sharing invisibility feature specifically requires macOS 12 or later.
How do I get future updates?
Download the latest version from the getsotto.ai website. If you have a feature request, email [email protected].
What keyboard shortcuts does Sotto use?
Sotto uses these global keyboard shortcuts: Command+Shift+A to capture screen, Command+H to hide/show, Command+Shift+R to start/stop recording, Option+A to Ask AI, Command+Shift+P for mouse pass-through, and Option+left/right bracket to adjust opacity. All shortcuts work without touching the mouse.
Which programming languages does Sotto support?
Sotto supports 10 programming languages: Python, TypeScript, Java, C++, Go, Rust, Swift, Kotlin, JavaScript, and C#. You can set your preferred language for problem analysis and solutions.
Can I use Sotto on multiple monitors?
The website recommends using a single monitor and keeping both Sotto and your interview platform on the same screen. Some interview platforms detect multiple monitors and flag the configuration as suspicious, which could compromise your interview.
What are the best practices for using Sotto during an interview?
Key best practices include: never copy-paste (always type manually), be mindful of typing speed (pause to think like real engineers), rewrite comments in your own voice, keep mouse pass-through on during interviews, position Sotto near the solution editor, use device microphone not system audio, think out loud during the interview, make small intentional mistakes to appear natural, and consider avoiding transcription if asked to screen share due to the macOS microphone indicator.