Spot requires Java version 1.6 or 1.7. It does not work with version 1.8. A clean Sierra installation comes with Java 1.8. We advise you to install Java 6 before installing Spot. You can download this from Apple:

1. Go to https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572 and click "Download" to download Java 6.

2. Double click ~/Downloads/ javaforosx.dmg and follow the instruction to install Java 6. It will install the 1.6.0.jdk in /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines.

If you are using OS X 10.12 (Sierra) on your Mac with the most up-to-date Java you might get this error message when you try to start Spot:

To open "spot" you need to install the legacy Java SE 6 runtime. Click "More Info..." to visit the legacy Java SE 6 download website.

To fix this follow the directions for installing Java 6 above, then reinstall Spot.

If you have OS X 10.12 (Sierra), when you install and then run Spot, you might see this error message:

You do not have permission to open the application "spot". Contact your computer or network administrator for assistance

Mac OS X Sierra tightens the security control over applications that are not from Mac App Store and identified developers. This includes Spot.

To make Spot run, users need to change the 'Security & Privacy' setting.

1. Open a terminal; Enter the command: “sudo spctl --master-disable”; Hit return and authenticate with an admin password.
2. Open System Preferences
3. Click on 'Security & Privacy'
4. Login by clicking the lock icon
5. Choose 'Anywhere' under the title 'Allow applications downloaded from'
6. Close the System Preferences dialog
7. Start Spot by double clicking on Spot icon

 See http://osxdaily.com/2016/09/27/allow-apps-from-anywhere-macos-gatekeeper for more details.