Learning how to tie is a skill acquired by most young boys from their fathers, unless of course they’re away on business; in which case, it’s elasticated horror show neckwear until the lesson can begin or someone else can step in. These days, with a revised view on the nuclear family unit and the notion of parenting, it’s no wonder some people feel more of a paternal pull to their Macs.

Now, for those gents who lack instruction in one of life’s most basic yet pertinent skills comes a sartorial version of HAL 9000. TieSight is an app designed for iMacs with iSight cameras that provide tie-tying instruction. With ten knots—Windsor, Half Windsor, Pratt, four in hand, small knot, Cavendish, Balthus, Victoria, Plattsburgh and Saint Andrew—users follow a sequence of steps indicated on the screen, which are imitated in the reflection by the wearer. The app can be controlled by noise recognition (such as frustrated shout or grunt), timer or manually to advance between steps.

At 99 cents it’s a bargain for those wishing to become a dab hand at the art of tie tying. Who would have thought they’re would be an app for that?

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