backchannel
Windows x64
For Windows 10 or later on 64-bit Intel or AMD processors.
- Download
Backchannel-windows-x64-v0.3.4.zip. - Unzip it and run
Backchannel.exe. - If SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway.
Release v0.3.4
Hotfix: Start Call works again.
Backchannel v0.3.4 repairs a bug shipped in v0.3.1 through v0.3.3 where pressing Start Call on a new session silently did nothing. Upgrading is strongly recommended for everyone on those versions.
Download Backchannel v0.3.4
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.
The Windows and Linux bundles include ffmpeg. On macOS, voice calibration and compressed audio imports still need ffmpeg on PATH.
macOS Apple Silicon
For Apple Silicon Macs. Intel macOS builds are not included in this release.
- Download
Backchannel-macos-arm64-v0.3.4.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-v0.3.4.tar.gz. - Extract it with
tar -xzf Backchannel-linux-x64-v0.3.4.tar.gz. - Run
Backchannel/Backchannel.
What changed
v0.3.4 is a focused hotfix on top of v0.3.3. It contains the fix below and no other behavior changes.
Starting a call works again
In v0.3.1 through v0.3.3, pressing Start Call on a new session silently did nothing: the request that marks the session active hit a server error, so the call never began. The server error is fixed and starting a call works again for new and existing sessions.
No data was affected
Sessions created while the bug was present are intact and work normally after upgrading. Resuming completed sessions was never broken.
Covered by regression tests
The session state transitions that stamp call start and end times are now covered by an automated regression suite so this cannot silently break again.
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 | Works out of the box on Windows and Linux. On macOS, install ffmpeg and make sure it is on PATH before enrolling your voice. |
| 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 v0.3.4 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.