stephenleo · stephenleo · Jul 19, 2026 · Jul 19, 2026 · Jul 19, 2026 · Jul 19, 2026
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -4,6 +4,21 @@ All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/).
 
+## [1.1.0] - 2026-07-19
+
+### Added
+
+- **Codex app: thinking-depth dial.** Right-stick flick right/left steps the composer's reasoning effort via the app's user-assignable "Increase/Decrease reasoning effort" shortcuts (one-time setup: assign `⌃⌥=` / `⌃⌥-` in the app's Keyboard shortcuts — assignments are account-synced, so OpenMicro cannot set them at install). Emitted as discrete modifier key-downs; the app's shortcut listener ignores inline `using {...}` chords. Note the app's own Decrease shortcut stops one step short of the lowest effort level.
+- **Codex app: right-stick click (R3) opens the model picker** (assign "Open model picker" to `⌃⇧M`), so the effort slider is visible while the dial steps it. New `r3` default binding emits the CSI-u encoding of Ctrl+Shift+M; terminal harnesses ignore it. Existing config files predate the binding — add `"r3": { "type": "keys", "bytes": "\u001b[109;6u" }` to Layer 1 to pick it up.
+
+### Changed
+
+- **Thinking dial defaults to right-stick flicks instead of cw/ccw rotation** — rotation proved finicky in live use. `rstick_cw`/`rstick_ccw` gestures remain available for remapping.
+
+### Fixed
+
+- **DualSense: y-axis was inverted vs the project convention** (`dualsense-ts` reports up as positive). Rotation gestures ran backward and up/down stick flicks were swapped on DualSense; both now match the documented directions on all controllers.
+
 ## [1.0.2] - 2026-07-19
 
 ### Fixed

diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ openmicro codex-app # drive the Codex macOS desktop app
 
 `openmicro codex-app` drives the Codex desktop app instead of a terminal CLI: new chat and prompt prefill use `codex://` deep links (no permission needed), while submit (Enter), reject (Esc), dictation (Ctrl+Shift+D), d-pad arrows, and Ctrl+U send keystrokes and need Accessibility permission for your terminal. A stick-flick prompt prefills the composer; press submit to send it. The app launches automatically and the terminal shows live status (controller, actions, agent state).
 
+The thinking-depth dial (right-stick flicks) needs one-time setup: the app ships "Increase reasoning effort" and "Decrease reasoning effort" shortcuts unassigned, and assignments are account-synced so OpenMicro cannot set them for you. In the Codex app open Settings → Keyboard shortcuts, search "effort", and assign Increase to `⌃⌥=` (Control+Option+`=`, Ctrl+Alt on Windows) and Decrease to `⌃⌥-` — right-stick flicks then step the composer's reasoning effort. These chords avoid the app's Ctrl/Cmd `+`/`-` zoom shortcuts. Note the app's own Decrease shortcut stops one step short of the lowest effort level (also when pressed physically) — use the model picker for that. Optionally also assign "Open model picker" to `⌃⇧M` — right-stick click then opens the picker so you can watch the effort change. Assigned different chords? Remap `thinking_depth` in your OpenMicro config to matching `keys` bindings.
+
 OpenMicro installs its lifecycle hooks automatically. If Codex reports that its hooks changed, open `/hooks` in Codex and trust the OpenMicro hooks.
 
 Controller support depends on the exact device and connection. Check the [controller compatibility guide](CONTROLLERS.md) before you start, or run `openmicro doctor` to test your controller.
@@ -30,33 +32,34 @@ Controller support depends on the exact device and connection. Check the [contro
 
 ### Text control reference
 
-| Control                                         | Action                                                       |
-| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
-| south (✕ / A)                                   | Submit or confirm                                            |
-| east (○ / B)                                    | Interrupt or dismiss                                         |
-| north (△ / Y)                                   | Push-to-talk                                                 |
-| west (□ / X)                                    | Start a new chat                                             |
-| d-pad                                           | Navigate TUI menus; repeats while held                       |
-| left stick flick up / down / left / right       | Review PR / debug / refactor / write tests                   |
-| right stick rotate clockwise / counterclockwise | Increase / decrease thinking depth                           |
-| R1                                              | Cycle modes (Shift+Tab)                                      |
-| R2                                              | Clear the input line (Ctrl+U)                                |
-| touchpad click                                  | Focus the next session by default, where supported           |
-| L2                                              | Cycle herdr spaces; touchpad then cycles agents in the space |
-
-Stick flicks fire after returning to center; each quarter-turn steps thinking depth once. Hold L1 with south, east, west, north, d-pad up, or d-pad down to select one of six layers. The first layer ships with these defaults; the other five start empty. Other controls are unbound by default and remappable.
+| Control                                   | Action                                                       |
+| ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
+| south (✕ / A)                             | Submit or confirm                                            |
+| east (○ / B)                              | Interrupt or dismiss                                         |
+| north (△ / Y)                             | Push-to-talk                                                 |
+| west (□ / X)                              | Start a new chat                                             |
+| d-pad                                     | Navigate TUI menus; repeats while held                       |
+| left stick flick up / down / left / right | Review PR / debug / refactor / write tests                   |
+| right stick flick right / left            | Increase / decrease thinking depth                           |
+| R1                                        | Cycle modes (Shift+Tab)                                      |
+| R2                                        | Clear the input line (Ctrl+U)                                |
+| right stick click (R3)                    | Open the model picker (Codex app, with shortcut setup)       |
+| touchpad click                            | Focus the next session by default, where supported           |
+| L2                                        | Cycle herdr spaces; touchpad then cycles agents in the space |
+
+Stick flicks fire after returning to center. Rotation gestures (`rstick_cw`/`rstick_ccw`, one step per quarter-turn) remain available for remapping. Hold L1 with south, east, west, north, d-pad up, or d-pad down to select one of six layers. The first layer ships with these defaults; the other five start empty. Other controls are unbound by default and remappable.
 
 Voice and thinking-depth support varies by harness; see [OpenMicro feature parity](#openmicro-feature-parity).
 
 ## See it in action
 
 Animated demos (rendered, not filmed) of the six core interactions:
 
-|                                                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                                 |
-| :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: | :-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
-| ![Lightbar status colors follow the focused session](assets/demo/status-leds.gif)<br>**Status lightbar** — executing, waiting, done, error |  ![Face buttons submit, interrupt, dictate, and start a new chat](assets/demo/command-keys.gif)<br>**Command keys** — ✕ ○ △ □   |
-|        ![Left-stick flick launches a workflow prompt](assets/demo/workflow-flick.gif)<br>**Workflow flick** — stick up = review PR         | ![Right-stick rotation steps thinking depth](assets/demo/thinking-dial.gif)<br>**Thinking dial** — quarter-turns step `/effort` |
-|                 ![L1 plus a face button switches control layers](assets/demo/layers.gif)<br>**Layers** — hold L1 to switch                 |  ![Touchpad click moves focus between sessions](assets/demo/multi-session.gif)<br>**Multi-session** — touchpad switches focus   |
+|                                                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                              |
+| :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
+| ![Lightbar status colors follow the focused session](assets/demo/status-leds.gif)<br>**Status lightbar** — executing, waiting, done, error | ![Face buttons submit, interrupt, dictate, and start a new chat](assets/demo/command-keys.gif)<br>**Command keys** — ✕ ○ △ □ |
+|        ![Left-stick flick launches a workflow prompt](assets/demo/workflow-flick.gif)<br>**Workflow flick** — stick up = review PR         | ![Right-stick flicks step thinking depth](assets/demo/thinking-dial.gif)<br>**Thinking dial** — stick flicks step `/effort`  |
+|                 ![L1 plus a face button switches control layers](assets/demo/layers.gif)<br>**Layers** — hold L1 to switch                 | ![Touchpad click moves focus between sessions](assets/demo/multi-session.gif)<br>**Multi-session** — touchpad switches focus |
 
 ## What it gives you
 
@@ -104,7 +107,7 @@ OpenMicro creates `~/.openmicro/config.json` on first run. Edit bindings, layer
       "bindings": {
         "south": { "type": "accept" },
         "lstick_up": { "type": "workflow", "presetId": "review-pr" },
-        "rstick_cw": { "type": "thinking_depth", "delta": 1 }
+        "rstick_right": { "type": "thinking_depth", "delta": 1 }
       }
     },
     { "name": "Layer 2", "color": { "r": 160, "g": 32, "b": 240 }, "bindings": {} },

diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "openmicro",
-  "version": "1.0.2",
+  "version": "1.1.0",
   "description": "Open-source replica of Work Louder's Codex Micro using a consumer gamepad as the physical AI-agent controller.",
   "license": "MIT",
   "author": "stephenleo",

diff --git a/src/controller/dualsense-driver.ts b/src/controller/dualsense-driver.ts
@@ -71,9 +71,12 @@ export class DualSenseDriver extends EventEmitter implements ControllerHAL {
       this.button(c.touchpad.button, 'touchpad')
 
       this.axis(c.left.analog.x, 'left_x')
-      this.axis(c.left.analog.y, 'left_y')
+      // dualsense-ts negates hardware Y (up = +1); re-negate to the project
+      // convention (y positive = down) that the router and other drivers use —
+      // otherwise stick rotation direction and up/down flicks come out swapped.
+      this.axis(c.left.analog.y, 'left_y', true)
       this.axis(c.right.analog.x, 'right_x')
-      this.axis(c.right.analog.y, 'right_y')
+      this.axis(c.right.analog.y, 'right_y', true)
 
       c.left.trigger.on('change', (t: Trigger) => {
         this.emit('data', {
@@ -107,9 +110,13 @@ export class DualSenseDriver extends EventEmitter implements ControllerHAL {
     })
   }
 
-  private axis(input: Axis, id: AxisId): void {
+  private axis(input: Axis, id: AxisId, invert = false): void {
     input.on('change', (a: Axis) => {
-      this.emit('data', { kind: 'axis', axis: id, value: a.state } satisfies ControllerEvent)
+      this.emit('data', {
+        kind: 'axis',
+        axis: id,
+        value: invert ? -a.state : a.state,
+      } satisfies ControllerEvent)
     })
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/harness/codex-app.ts b/src/harness/codex-app.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,10 @@ const KEY_EQUIVALENTS: Record<string, string> = {
   // Clear the input line. Electron text boxes ignore Cocoa's Ctrl+U kill-line,
   // so select-all + delete (newline = sequential System Events statements).
   '\x15': 'keystroke "a" using command down\nkey code 51',
+  // Ctrl+Shift+M (CSI-u) → the app's "Open model picker" shortcut, which users
+  // assign to ^⇧M (see README). Discrete modifier key downs — the app's
+  // shortcut listener ignores the inline `using {...}` form.
+  '\x1b[109;6u': 'key down control\nkey down shift\nkey code 46\nkey up shift\nkey up control',
 }
 
 // Whether the dictation key chord is currently held down (see push_to_talk).
@@ -218,7 +222,23 @@ export const codexAppHarness: Harness = {
       case 'reject':
         return { bytes: 'osascript:key code 53' } // Esc — stop generation / dismiss
       case 'thinking_depth':
-        return null // documented gap: no reasoning-effort control in the app
+        // The app ships unassigned "Increase/Decrease reasoning effort"
+        // shortcuts (Settings → Keyboard shortcuts). Users assign ⌃⌥= and ⌃⌥-
+        // once (see README) — Ctrl+Alt on Windows, and no clash with the
+        // Ctrl/Cmd +/- zoom chords. Assignments are account-synced with no
+        // local store, so openmicro cannot set them at install time.
+        // Discrete modifier key downs, not `using {...}` — the app's shortcut
+        // listener needs real flagsChanged events and ignores the inline form
+        // (verified live; same pattern as the dictation chord).
+        return action.delta > 0
+          ? {
+              bytes:
+                'osascript:key down control\nkey down option\nkey code 24\nkey up option\nkey up control',
+            } // ⌃⌥=
+          : {
+              bytes:
+                'osascript:key down control\nkey down option\nkey code 27\nkey up option\nkey up control',
+            } // ⌃⌥-
       case 'focus_session': {
         // Touchpad: cycle the current project's chats with wrap-around.
         const next = cycleThread(scanDesktopThreads())

diff --git a/src/layers.ts b/src/layers.ts
@@ -152,8 +152,14 @@ export const DEFAULT_CONFIG: OpenMicroConfig = {
         lstick_left: { type: 'workflow', presetId: 'refactor' },
         lstick_right: { type: 'workflow', presetId: 'write-tests' },
         l2: { type: 'herdr_space' },
-        rstick_cw: { type: 'thinking_depth', delta: 1 },
-        rstick_ccw: { type: 'thinking_depth', delta: -1 },
+        // Flicks, not cw/ccw rotation — rotation gestures proved finicky to
+        // perform reliably; left/right flicks are still remappable to cw/ccw.
+        rstick_right: { type: 'thinking_depth', delta: 1 },
+        rstick_left: { type: 'thinking_depth', delta: -1 },
+        // Ctrl+Shift+M (CSI-u encoding). In the Codex app this opens the model
+        // picker (user-assigned ^⇧M) so the thinking dial has a visual;
+        // terminal harnesses ignore the sequence.
+        r3: { type: 'keys', bytes: '\x1b[109;6u' },
         touchpad: TOUCHPAD_CYCLE,
       },
     },

diff --git a/test/harness.test.ts b/test/harness.test.ts
@@ -173,10 +173,25 @@ describe('codex-app harness', () => {
     expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'keys', bytes: '\x15' }, ctx)).toEqual({
       bytes: 'osascript:keystroke "a" using command down\nkey code 51',
     })
+    // Ctrl+Shift+M (CSI-u) → the app's user-assigned "Open model picker" chord.
+    expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'keys', bytes: '\x1b[109;6u' }, ctx)).toEqual({
+      bytes:
+        'osascript:key down control\nkey down shift\nkey code 46\nkey up shift\nkey up control',
+    })
+  })
+
+  it('maps thinking_depth to the user-assigned effort shortcut chords', () => {
+    expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'thinking_depth', delta: 1 }, ctx)).toEqual({
+      bytes:
+        'osascript:key down control\nkey down option\nkey code 24\nkey up option\nkey up control',
+    })
+    expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'thinking_depth', delta: -1 }, ctx)).toEqual({
+      bytes:
+        'osascript:key down control\nkey down option\nkey code 27\nkey up option\nkey up control',
+    })
   })
 
   it('returns null for documented gaps and core-only actions', () => {
-    expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'thinking_depth', delta: 1 }, ctx)).toBeNull()
     expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'keys', bytes: '\x07' }, ctx)).toBeNull()
     expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'workflow', presetId: 'x' }, ctx)).toBeNull()
     expect(codexAppHarness.resolveAction({ type: 'layer', index: 1 }, ctx)).toBeNull()