techsimplified@knowprose Great question! No — the voice processing happens locally in your browser. The Chrome extension uses the Web Speech API for recognition, so audio never leaves your machine. The AI processing for tone-matching and action execution also runs client-side. No cloud servers, no data collection, no accounts required. That's the whole point — privacy-first by design, not by promise. Happy to answer any other architecture questions! 🔒
Taran Rampersad@techsimplified the chrome fies seem the weak point. 😬
@knowprose Fair concern! Chrome extensions run in a sandboxed environment though — can't access your filesystem or other apps. The extension only activates on the active page, permissions are declared upfront on the Chrome Web Store. No background processes, no persistent connections. Actually MORE contained than a desktop app with full OS access. But healthy scepticism is smart — always check the permissions list.
@knowprose would love to know what do you recomend so it doesnt seem weak and seems strong :)
@techsimplified I am thinking over what you are saying. I have to look into it, honestly. I have a bit of a cognitive bias but I am not sure it is well founded in this case.
It is something that might cause some knee jerk reactions. I'm considering it privileged information between friends.
Maybe I will have some time to think it through this weekend. 🙃
@knowprose No rush at all — honestly, that kind of thoughtful consideration is rare and I respect it. Cognitive biases about browser extensions are completely valid, the ecosystem has earned some scepticism over the years. Take your time, happy to answer anything that comes up. Weekend thinking is the best kind. 🙂
@knowprose Yeah, browser extensions do have a trust surface area — but the key difference is local processing vs cloud. Most voice tools send your audio to remote servers. Extensions that process locally in-browser actually reduce the attack surface compared to cloud-based alternatives. The code runs in a sandboxed environment too. Still worth scrutinising though, you're right to question it 👍
@techsimplified yeah. I get it. But that means I would need to run chrome. I don't want it on my systems.
That's the rub.
@knowprose Totally fair — Chrome is a resource hog and the privacy model isn't for everyone. Good news though: Genie 007 also has standalone Windows and Mac apps, not just the Chrome extension. Same voice-to-action features without needing a browser. If you're on Firefox or something else, the desktop version covers you.
@knowprose Here's the direct link if you want to check out the desktop version: genie007.co.uk — the Windows and Mac apps work independently of any browser. Worth a look if voice-to-action is something you'd use 👍
@techsimplified OK. I may check it out this week. Today is my down day.
:)
@knowprose I totally get the security concern about Chrome. That's actually why browser-based voice tools process everything locally - no data leaves your machine. But I respect the principle of keeping minimal browser footprint. What's your preferred browser ecosystem?