Dial8 - Local Speech-to-Text for macOS

Dial8 is a powerful macOS application that runs Whisper AI locally to provide fast, private speech-to-text transcription. Replace typing with natural speech - just hold a hotkey, speak, and watch your words appear instantly.

• Only transcribes when you're actually speaking
• Filters out background noise (TV, music, conversations)
• Visual feedback shows when speech is detected via HUD effects

Manual Mode

• Hold hotkey to record
• Release to transcribe and insert text
• Perfect for quick thoughts and commands

Streaming Mode

• Toggle recording on/off with hotkey
• Automatically detects pauses in speech
• Configurable pause detection duration
• Inserts text segment-by-segment
• Ideal for quiet environments and longer dictation

• Leverages macOS 15's foundation models
• Rewrite transcribed text in different tones
• Multiple tone options available

• Runs entirely offline using local Whisper models
• No data leaves your device
• Your speech stays private

• Seamless text insertion into any app
• App-aware functionality
• Accessibility API integration
• System-wide hotkey support

1. Download the latest release from dial8.ai
2. Open the DMG and drag Dial8 to Applications
3. Launch Dial8 and grant necessary permissions:
   • Microphone access
   • Accessibility permissions
   • Dictation permissions

To run Dial8 locally on your Mac:

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/dial8-open-source.git
   cd dial8-open-source

2. Open in Xcode

   open dial8.xcodeproj

3. Configure signing

   • Select the project in Xcode
   • Go to "Signing & Capabilities" tab
   • Select your development team
   • Xcode will automatically manage the provisioning profile

4. Select the target

   • Choose "dial8 MacOS" scheme from the dropdown
   • Select your Mac as the destination

5. Build and run

   • Press ⌘R or click the Run button
   • The app will build and launch automatically

1. Set your hotkey in Settings (default: Option key)
2. Select recording mode:
   • Manual: Hold hotkey → Speak → Release
   • Streaming: Press hotkey → Speak naturally → Press again to stop

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/your-username/dial8-open-source.git
cd dial8-open-source

# Open in Xcode
open dial8.xcodeproj

# Build for macOS
xcodebuild -scheme "dial8 MacOS" -configuration Release build

We're building a community around Dial8 to take speech-to-text to the next level! Here are some exciting areas for contribution:

• Whisper C++ implementation - Switch from executable to native C++ implementation for iOS compatibility
• Real-time streaming transcription - Like native macOS dictation
• App-specific configurations - Automatically adjust tone/style based on the active app
• Custom tone profiles - Define your own rewriting styles
• Voice commands - Control formatting and punctuation with speech
• Integration APIs - Connect with other productivity tools

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

• Follow existing Swift/SwiftUI patterns
• Add tests for new features
• Update documentation
• Keep privacy and offline-first principles

• Language: Swift/SwiftUI
• AI Model: Whisper (via whisper.cpp)
• Platforms: macOS 14+, iOS support in progress
• Key Frameworks: AVFoundation, Accessibility, Speech

• Discord - Join our community chat
• Check the Projects section for current work and how to contribute

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details

• OpenAI Whisper for the amazing speech recognition model
• whisper.cpp for the efficient C++ implementation
• All our contributors and community members

Built with ❤️ by the Dial8 community. Let's revolutionize how we interact with our computers through speech!