backchannel
Windows x64
For Windows 10 or later on 64-bit Intel or AMD processors.
- Download
Backchannel-windows-x64-v0.3.1.zip. - Unzip it and run
Backchannel.exe. - If SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway.
Release v0.3.1
Guided setup, your default browser, and tidier sessions
Backchannel v0.3.1 walks first-time users through provider setup with real readiness checks, opens the desktop app window in your default browser on Windows, and lets you delete session groups without losing a single session.
Download Backchannel v0.3.1
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.
Voice calibration requires ffmpeg on PATH for desktop bundles.
macOS Apple Silicon
For Apple Silicon Macs. Intel macOS builds are not included in this release.
- Download
Backchannel-macos-arm64-v0.3.1.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-v0.3.1.tar.gz. - Extract it with
tar -xzf Backchannel-linux-x64-v0.3.1.tar.gz. - Run
Backchannel/Backchannel.
What changed
v0.3.1 focuses on a friendlier first run, respecting your browser choice, and safer session housekeeping.
Guided provider setup
First launch now walks you through choosing Google Gemini, OpenAI, or Privacy First local mode, with a step-by-step API key guide and direct Get a key links.
Readiness you can trust
Setup completion now reflects the agents' actual model credentials, so adding only an OpenAI key no longer reads as ready while Gemini-default agents are unusable.
Your default browser
On Windows, the dedicated app window opens in your default browser resolved through the system association, with a standard browser tab as fallback.
Deletable session groups
Delete a group from the sidebar with a confirmed, accessible control. Its sessions are preserved and simply become ungrouped.
Observable speaker revalidation
Re-running insight enhancement after speaker corrections shows batch progress, reports honest per-batch outcomes, and retries only failed batches.
First-run notes
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Release access | Use the email and password for your approved Backchannel recipient account. |
| Provider key | Follow the guided setup on first launch, or add a key later in Admin -> API Keys. Calls will not start until the transcription model has a usable credential. |
| Voice calibration | Install ffmpeg and make sure it is on PATH before enrolling your voice; the desktop bundles do not include it. |
| Upgrading | Quit the old version from the tray before starting the new one. Session data is stored per-user and shared by every version. The Admin About tab shows a what's-new notice after upgrading. |
| Desktop launch | Backchannel opens a dedicated local app window in your default browser when it supports app windows, otherwise it uses a standard browser tab. It remains available from the system tray or menu bar. |
| Docker | Check out the v0.3.1 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.