Cluely: The Invisible AI Assistant That Redefines Human-Machine Interaction

What is Cluely?

Cluely is a desktop-based “invisible AI assistant” developed by a San Francisco startup. It passively reads your screen and listens to audio from calls, generating context-aware suggestions or answers in the background. These responses are displayed via a hidden overlay activated by a hotkey—allowing for real-time help without switching windows or alerting others.

Key Features

Real-Time Screen & Meeting Monitoring
Cluely understands your screen content (e.g., code, slides, documents) and listens to live audio to provide timely, context-aware suggestions.
Stealthy AI Pop-up Window
The assistant appears via hotkey as a discreet floating overlay, offering real-time suggestions without disrupting your workflow or drawing attention.
Multi-Scenario Use
Ideal for interviews, sales calls, online exams, lectures, meetings, and everyday productivity tasks.
Enterprise-Grade Sales Toolkit (Cluely AI)
Offers advanced features for sales professionals, including pitch suggestions, document retrieval, follow-up email drafts, CRM sync, and performance analytics (cluelyai.com).

Technical Principles

Cluely’s core lies in capturing your screen and microphone input locally and using AI to analyze and generate contextual assistance. It works in near real-time and simulates a ChatGPT-like experience that stays hidden from others.

Key technologies include:

Screen/Audio Sniffing Engine – Runs silently and avoids detection from tools like Zoom or screen recorders.
Context Modeling Module – Understands the combination of screen and voice content to generate precise AI responses.
Real-Time Generation & Overlay Module – Displays generated responses via a stealth window only visible to the user.
Enhanced Sales Version – Adds CRM sync, dynamic coaching, document integration, and team-wide analytics for professional use.

Project Links

Official Site: cluely.com

Application Scenarios

Technical Interviews
Offers real-time assistance during coding interviews—one of its original (and controversial) use cases.
Sales Calls
Provides live rebuttal scripts, follow-up email drafts, and auto-syncs notes to CRM systems.
Online Exams & Classrooms
Enables stealth assistance during tests or live lectures—raising ethical questions but showcasing demand.
Everyday Office & Deep Work
Aids in document comprehension, coding, or writing, significantly enhancing productivity.
Meeting Support
“Eavesdrops” on calls to summarize key points, suggest talking tracks, or retrieve relevant materials in real time.