Cloud-based workflow and mobile integration

Nucleate can be used entirely hands-free with a cloud-based workflow, allowing you to record audio on your phone and have it processed into daily notes on your primary machine — with weekly and monthly rollups compounding over time.

This approach works with any major cloud storage provider (Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox, etc.) and does not require paid apps. Premium sync or recording apps can improve reliability and reduce ads, but are optional.

Once configured, this workflow is highly robust and well suited for:

• Walking notes
• Commute reflections
• Meetings or lectures away from your desk
• Quick, unplanned recordings

Core cloud-based workflow

1. Choose a cloud storage provider
   Any provider that supports desktop and mobile sync will work. Since Nucleate outputs Markdown files (typically 2–20 KB each), storage requirements are minimal.

2. Create cloud folders

   • One folder for incoming audio
   • One or more folders for summary outputs
     Nucleate supports up to five output directories, configurable in-app.

3. Enable desktop sync
   On the machine where Nucleate is installed, enable your cloud provider’s desktop sync so files appear locally in Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). Ensure two-way sync is active.

4. Configure Nucleate folders

   • Set the incoming audio folder to the synced cloud directory
   • Set summary output folders to synced cloud locations
   • Optionally set an audio archive folder for completed recordings

5. Record and forget about it
   When a new audio file appears in the cloud:

   • Nucleate automatically detects it
   • Intake runs locally (transcription, then summarization)
   • Daily notes are saved in-app and synced back to the cloud; rollups follow on schedule

Android setup (cloud-based recording)

1. Install a cloud sync app
   Use a two-way sync app that mirrors a cloud folder to local storage on Android.
   Autosync for Box (MetaCtrl) is one option. The free version works; Pro removes ads.

2. Install a recording app
   Choose a recorder that allows saving files to a specific folder, such as
   Easy Voice Recorder.

3. Match save directories
   Configure the recorder to save audio files into the same local folder used by the sync app.

Once configured:

• Record audio on your phone
• Files sync automatically to the cloud
• Nucleate picks them up and processes them without manual steps

iPhone / iPad setup

Mobile workflows on iOS are more constrained due to platform sandboxing.

At minimum, the workflow requires:

• A cloud storage app with background uploads
• A recording app that can save or share files directly into that cloud location

Detailed iOS setup examples will be added in a future update.

Example: Box + Obsidian workflow (recommended)

This is my primary workflow and is well suited for users who already use Obsidian. Step-by-step vault sync (desktop + Android) is in the Box + Obsidian example below.

Desktop setup

Follow the Desktop setup steps below to create a Box-synced vault. Then configure Nucleate:

• Incoming audio folder → Obsidian Vault
• Summary output folders → Obsidian subfolders (daily, weekly, monthly, or lab summaries as needed)

When audio files appear in the vault, Nucleate processes them and writes summaries back into Obsidian automatically.

Android setup (Box + Obsidian)

Follow the Android setup (Box + Obsidian) steps below to mirror the vault on your phone and open it in Obsidian.

With this setup:

• The same Obsidian Vault exists on mobile, cloud, and desktop
• Audio recorded in Obsidian syncs automatically
• Nucleate processes recordings and returns summaries to the vault

If Nucleate is configured to archive processed audio, completed recordings will be removed from the vault automatically after processing.

Summary

It may sound a bit scary, but once setup this process is extremely robust and makes it easy to whip out your phone on the road, on a walk, or during other quiet time. Make it easy on yourself — you’re already working hard enough!