FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most about RocketBuddy and the Ponos Launch app behind it.

What is RocketBuddy?

RocketBuddy is a rocket-shaped, USB-powered desk companion with an RGB light inside a frosted, light-diffusing shell. Plug it in and it plays a soft takeoff sequence out of the box. Pair it with Ponos Launch, our free companion app, and it reflects what your AI agent is actually doing in real time.

What is Ponos Launch?

Ponos Launch is the free, open-source desktop app that connects RocketBuddy to Cursor and Claude over MCP (Model Context Protocol). It's what turns RocketBuddy's lighting from a fixed pattern into something that reflects your actual coding session — a pulse when a task starts, a blink when your agent needs you, and so on.

Do I need Ponos Launch to use RocketBuddy?

No. RocketBuddy works straight out of the box with its default takeoff sequence, no app or setup required. Ponos Launch is an optional, free layer on top for anyone who wants it tied to their actual AI coding sessions.

Which AI tools does it work with?

Cursor and Claude Code connect automatically once Ponos Launch is running — no extra steps after initial setup. Remote-only platforms like Lovable, Replit, and Bolt can also connect, via a secure tunnel you turn on from the app when you need it.

Can I customize the lights?

Yes, fully. Colours, brightness, pulse speed, blink timing, and how many times a pattern repeats are all editable in the app. You can also decide which RocketBuddy behaviour (task starting, task needing you, steady on) triggers which pattern — the defaults are just a starting point.

Does it need Wi-Fi or a cloud account?

No. Ponos Launch runs locally on your computer and talks to RocketBuddy over a direct USB connection. Nothing is sent to a cloud account, and there's no telemetry — the only time it reaches the internet is if you choose to open a tunnel to connect a remote platform like Lovable, Replit, or Bolt.

How does RocketBuddy connect to my computer?

Over USB — USB-C or USB-A, depending on the variant you choose. It draws power from the same cable, so there's no separate adapter to plug in.

Is Ponos Launch open source?

Yes. The app is free and open-source, so you can see exactly what it does and change it if you want different behaviour than the defaults.

What happens if I unplug RocketBuddy mid-session?

Nothing breaks. Ponos Launch doesn't hold a persistent connection open, so it simply finds RocketBuddy again the next time it has something to show you — no restart needed. If RocketBuddy isn't plugged in at all, Ponos Launch stays silent rather than interrupting your session.

Is RocketBuddy safe to have on my desk?

RocketBuddy is an electronic desk device intended for ages 14 and up. It's not a toy and isn't designed or certified to toy safety standards, so it should be kept away from young children.

Is the remote connection (for Lovable, Replit, Bolt) secure?

Yes. The tunnel only accepts requests carrying a valid access token, and it only ever exposes light controls — never file access or shell commands. You can shut the tunnel down whenever you're not actively using it.