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Last updated: 29 Sep 2025 18:28 (Europe/London)
Summary
HOOKS is a Windows desktop application that runs locally on your PC. We do not operate accounts, run ads, or embed third-party analytics. Configuration stays on your device unless you choose to sync or share it using your own tools.
Scope
This policy explains what HOOKS processes, stores, and transmits while you use the app, and your choices. It applies to the Windows app distributed via the Microsoft Store or direct download.
What HOOKS does
- Reads screen frames locally to compute average colours for ambience.
- Sends light commands (on/off, brightness, colour, scenes) to devices or services you configure (e.g., Home Assistant, Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, Govee) over your local network or your specified server.
- Reads system audio/mixer status to show levels and provide volume/mute controls.
- Registers global hotkeys and listens for certain inputs you configure.
Data we process
On your device (local only)
- Configuration files (JSON) saved under your user profile, typically:
Documents/ENGINUOUS Apps/Hooks/. These include app settings, shortcuts, lighting/device entries, and overlay preferences. - Screen contents for ambience: processed in memory to compute colours; frames are not saved or uploaded by HOOKS.
- Audio device/mixer information: read to display and control system volumes; not sent to us.
- Hotkeys and presence signals: used to trigger your actions and features; keys are not recorded beyond handling the shortcuts.
On your network (to services you choose)
- Light/device commands: HOOKS sends requests to endpoints you provide (for example a Hue bridge on your LAN, a Govee/Nanoleaf device, or your Home Assistant server). These are limited to control messages such as power, brightness, colour, scene/effect, and (for ambience) rapid colour updates.
- Credentials you provide: Where required (for example, a Home Assistant long-lived token), HOOKS stores them locally so it can authenticate when you use the feature.
Security of credentials
Home Assistant: Access tokens are encrypted per-user using Windows Data Protection API (DPAPI) and stored locally with your configuration.
Other integrations: Some devices/services use local tokens, keys, or bridge usernames. Where a provider does not support or require an encrypted store, these values may be stored in your local configuration files. You can edit or delete them at any time.
What we do not do
- No account creation, no telemetry, no usage analytics.
- No ads or tracking beacons.
- No sale or sharing of personal data.
- No uploading of screen contents, audio, or your configuration to our servers.
Microsoft Store
If you obtained HOOKS via the Microsoft Store, Microsoft may collect install, update, and diagnostic information as described in the Microsoft Privacy Statement. That collection is governed by Microsoft, not by HOOKS.
Your choices and controls
- Turn features on/off: Disable ambience, device integrations, hotkeys, or any other feature in Settings at any time.
- Edit/delete configuration: Remove devices, scenes, and settings from within the app, or delete the configuration folder under
Documents/ENGINUOUS Apps/Hooks/(close HOOKS first). Uninstalling the app may leave this folder in place so you can reuse your settings later. - Network scope: Prefer local-network endpoints for smart-home devices where supported if you want all control traffic to stay on your LAN.
Data retention
Configuration and credentials remain on your device until you delete them or uninstall the app. We do not retain any copy.
Children’s privacy
HOOKS is not directed to children. If you are under 13, use the app only with parent/guardian permission.
International use
HOOKS does not transfer your data to us. Any transfers occur only between your device and the services/devices you configure and are subject to those providers’ terms.
Changes to this policy
We’ll update this document when functionality or practices change. The “Last updated” date reflects the latest revision.