Introduction to OpenRecall
OpenRecall is an innovative open-source project designed to give users control over their digital memory, much like proprietary tools such as Microsoft's Windows Recall or Limitless' Rewind.ai, but with a key focus on privacy and openness. With OpenRecall, users can enhance their memory and boost productivity by accessing their digital histories through regularly taken snapshots without compromising their personal privacy.
What is OpenRecall?
OpenRecall works by capturing snapshots of your digital activity through screenshots. These snapshots are analyzed so that both text and images become searchable. Whether you are trying to recall an important piece of information or retrace your steps, OpenRecall enables you to find specific details by typing in relevant keywords. Users can also manually scroll through their history to revisit past activities at ease.
Why Opt for OpenRecall?
OpenRecall offers several advantages over its proprietary counterparts:
- Transparency: OpenRecall is entirely open-source, allowing users to audit the source code for any potential security issues or privacy threats.
- Cross-platform Compatibility: It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering flexibility to users across different operating systems.
- Privacy-focused Approach: With data stored locally on your device, OpenRecall doesn't require an internet connection or cloud service, emphasizing user control over privacy.
- Wide Hardware Compatibility: Unlike proprietary solutions that often need specific setups, OpenRecall supports a wide array of hardware configurations.
Key Features of OpenRecall
- Time Travel: Effortlessly revisit past digital activities across multiple platforms.
- Local-First AI: Utilizes local AI processing to secure your data without sharing it externally.
- Semantic Search: Advanced on-device Optical Character Recognition (OCR) transforms your history into a searchable database offering robust search capabilities.
- Full Storage Control: All data stays on your device, enabling you to manage and secure it independently.
Comparing OpenRecall with Alternatives
Here's how OpenRecall measures up against other solutions like Windows Recall and Rewind.ai:
| Feature | OpenRecall | Windows Recall | Rewind.ai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Open-source | Closed-source | Closed-source |
| Supported Hardware | All | Copilot+ certified Windows hardware | M1/M2 Apple Silicon |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows | macOS |
| Privacy | On-device, self-hosted | Microsoft's privacy policy applies | Connected to ChatGPT |
| Cost | Free | Part of Windows 11 (requires specialized hardware) | Monthly subscription |
Getting Started with OpenRecall
To get started with OpenRecall, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
- Python 3.11 installed
- Operating systems supported: macOS, Windows, Linux
- Access to Git
To install OpenRecall, use the following command in your terminal:
python3 -m pip install --upgrade --no-cache-dir git+https://github.com/openrecall/openrecall.git
To run the application, execute:
python3 -m openrecall.app
Open a browser and navigate to http://localhost:8082 to access OpenRecall.
Contribution and Support
OpenRecall encourages community contributions. If you wish to enhance the project, feel free to submit a pull request or open an issue on the project’s GitHub repository. For direct communication, you can reach the maintainers via [email protected].
Licensing
OpenRecall is licensed under the AGPLv3 license, ensuring that it remains free and accessible to everyone.
Community
Join the growing OpenRecall community on Discord or Telegram to receive updates and engage with other users and contributors.
Through features that prioritize privacy, compatibility, and user empowerment, OpenRecall stands out as a pioneering solution for managing and recalling digital memories effectively.