backchannel
Windows x64
For Windows 10 or later on 64-bit Intel or AMD processors.
- Download
Backchannel-windows-x64-v0.2.5.zip. - Unzip it and run
Backchannel.exe. - If SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway.
Release v0.2.5
A proper desktop window with faster Gemini defaults
Backchannel v0.2.5 opens in a dedicated app window with its own taskbar or Dock presence when a supported Chromium browser is installed, and makes the latest Gemini Flash models active by default.
Download Backchannel v0.2.5
These unsigned open-source builds are delivered through the authenticated Backchannel portal. An approved Backchannel account is required; no GitHub identity or repository membership is required.
macOS Apple Silicon
For Apple Silicon Macs. Intel macOS builds are not included in this release.
- Download
Backchannel-macos-arm64-v0.2.5.zip. - Unzip it and move
Backchannel.appwherever you keep apps. - Right-click
Backchannel.appand choose Open the first time.
Linux x64
A portable bundle for 64-bit Intel or AMD Linux systems.
- Download
Backchannel-linux-x64-v0.2.5.tar.gz. - Extract it with
tar -xzf Backchannel-linux-x64-v0.2.5.tar.gz. - Run
Backchannel/Backchannel.
What changed
The desktop now behaves like an app, and the new Gemini defaults are applied once during upgrade.
Dedicated app window
Backchannel uses Chrome, Edge, or Chromium app mode for its own taskbar or Dock presence, with a default-browser fallback. A retained port reservation and instance check keep the local launch reliable.
Gemini 3.6 Flash
Consolidated analysis, opportunity analysis, and all three briefing lenses now default to Gemini 3.6 Flash.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
Objection handling and batch transcription now default to Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite. Both new models remain selectable for later changes.
First-run notes
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Release access | Use the email and password for your approved Backchannel recipient account. |
| Provider key | Add a Gemini key in Admin -> API Keys after launch. Add OpenAI only if you route agents to OpenAI. |
| Model defaults | The v0.2.5 defaults are applied once during upgrade. Choices saved afterward are preserved. |
| Upgrading | Quit the old version from the tray before starting the new one. Session data is stored per-user and shared by every version. |
| Desktop launch | Backchannel opens a dedicated local app window when a supported Chromium browser is installed, otherwise it uses the default browser. It remains available from the system tray or menu bar. |
| Docker | Check out the v0.2.5 source tag and rebuild Compose to run the same release through containers. |
Start with the desktop app or self-host the stack
Both paths run Backchannel on your machine. Choose the desktop bundle for the fastest start, or Compose for maximum control.