7 ms·

Show HN: superwhisper – AI powered offline voice to text for macOS

43 points by nchudleigh 3y ago

Hey HN, I built superwhisper out of frustration with the native dictation capabilities of macOS. Inaccurate, required manual punctuation, didnt activate in some contexts or would have audio capture issues. I wanted a replacement that worked offline, had cross language support, was configurable and worked in any application. Under the hood the app is using whisper.cpp, which runs really well on the Apple Silicon chips. You can use the base and standard size models for free, larger models sizes and languages other than english are paid. Let me know what you think! For context, I launched this just one month ago and have been rapidly adding features and making fixes. If you want to follow along with development, I post release info on twitter (https://x.com/superwhisperapp https://x.com/superwhisperapp) or you can subscribe to emails via the form on the website (very bottom).

keepamovin 3y ago
I also have WisprNote on the app store for MacOS. Slightly different, just for doing voice memos and other files. I predict someone will comment: why not just use the large model on OpenAI api? Indeed you can! Large model is the best. However, it does not do live transcription, and it is not totally private, which you can do with offline app. My WisrpNote does not yet have live! Although I've prototyped it, been busy with other projects! It's on the list! I hope yours has live. I see you are going a paid model, does that mean that it is a subscription using OpenAI API or just paying for the download and utilization of these larger models essentially, even tho they run offline? Anyway, WisprNote is Powered by Wispr models from OpenAI using the ggml work on GitHub from ggreganov! Totally agree that MacOS has crap dictation! So is the Google dictation! And the iPhone dictation! https://apps.apple.com/app/wisprnote/id1671480366 https://apps.apple.com/app/wisprnote/id1671480366
_xnmw 3y ago
Why does every macOS app need to run from the menubar? I already have about a dozen tiny icons there, and it is so difficult to squint and find something when I don't even know what it's supposed to look like. It is so much easier to deal with GUI windows and launch apps from from Spotlight/Alfred/Launchpad.
- Larrikin 3y ago
  When combined with Bartender, I actually get annoyed when long running in the background programs are not in the menu bar. I assume one day Apple will kill that developers source of income.
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Great question, in the case of superwhisper, the app itself doesnt really have an interface- it just plops the result text into whatever text field you have focused. So the menu bar icon indicates the recording processing and complete state and gives quick access to settings. I agree the menu bar is overcrowded, but I don't know if the app would work very well without the icon as it is the primary way that the current recording state is indicated. If you have ideas on how else I could approach this, let me know what you think.
  - sprobertson 3y ago
    I don't mind the menu bar approach but another way would be something that can be triggered by CLI or a launcher like Alfred. ("Typed" with the menu bar app, by the way.)
darkteflon 3y ago
Can this be triggered with a keyboard shortcut? The video seems to imply that you can’t. Edit: Disappointed to see that the Pro plan is on a subscription basis.
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  100%, you can configure which keyboard shortcut you want to use in settings as well- check out the image linked below. https://imgur.com/a/LXlwy7F https://imgur.com/a/LXlwy7F
  - darkteflon 3y ago
    Okay I see - perhaps the interface shown in the video is out of date. It’s a cool little app, I’d be happy to pay a few dollars for something like this, but not a subscription.
    - nchudleigh 3y ago
      Fair enough! Theres a very generous free tier (both small and base models enabled) that should cover a basic use case. Justification for charging a subscription is value based: 65 bucks a year is not a lot to spend if it saves you 10+ hours of time typing, and editing your messages. Dictating is joyful and saves me time each day. superwhisper spells/punctuates better and writes faster than I can with a keyboard. This alongside the cost to me, 10s of hours each week of my time as the solo developer go into: • Supporting users with their issues and bugs fixes • Continuing to update the app with new features (4 major features released this month alone) • Making sure you have access to the latest features and capabilities as AI advances. Also, keep in mind, with free / cheap solutions: "If you are not paying for it, you're the product".
      - darkteflon 3y ago
        Fair enough, it’s 100% your product to price how you see fit. I do think you’re shooting yourself in the foot a bit, though. But best of luck to you! The free version is great, keep up the good work.
janalsncm 3y ago
I won’t pay monthly for this. I would pay once, maybe even a lot of money if it worked well. But I won’t pay monthly.
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Fair enough, the free tier should be plenty for a basic use-case! I would also challenge you on it: How much time does it save you each day? How could that translate to your income? Do you want the app to improve and add features over time? Is 65 dollars a year truly out of reach if you feel that you need pro level features?
  - janalsncm 3y ago
    Respectfully, I am on a salary so it is very difficult to know whether this could translate to more than $65 in wage improvement over a year, even in theory. If I get a raise it will be due to a combination of reasons. However, if this is indeed a productivity enhancer, you should market to companies, not workers. You mention that I should pay an ongoing fee for features to be added over time. However, there is no guarantee of future feature development even if I do pay every month. And there is definitely no guarantee I will care about or like the new features either. If this transcription works well, that’s the only feature I need. Being charged monthly also doesn’t seem right when you’re not providing an ongoing service. If you develop a new feature that is better than the current version, I would pay for that as well.
    - nchudleigh 3y ago
      > However, if this is indeed a productivity enhancer, you should market to companies, not workers. That's the plan. Gotta start somewhere. > You mention that I should pay an ongoing fee for features to be added over time. However, there is no guarantee of future feature development even if I do pay every month. And there is definitely no guarantee I will care about or like the new features either. If this transcription works well, that’s the only feature I need. For a monthly subscription or annual subscription, the developer is incentivized to develop new features to retain the ongoing payments coming from the existing customer base. A one-time payment model actually incentivizes the developer to focus instead on marketing efforts every month and capturing new users rather than increasing/maintaining the satisfaction of the current user base. > Being charged monthly also doesn’t seem right when you’re not providing an ongoing service. If you develop a new feature that is better than the current version, I would pay for that as well. I definitely am providing an ongoing service. You get constant improvements to the application, bug fixes, and support. Would you prefer in-app purchases for each additional feature? Thanks for sharing your perspective on the pricing though. It's very helpful to see how people view the value of what I'm building versus their hard earned dollars. Fundamentally, this is the only pricing scheme that would make sense for me to continue development on this application and devote as much time to it as I am. I'm giving up a significant portion of my time to continue pushing development forward and I need to make sure that it makes sense for me personally if I want it to be something that isn't short-term.
your_challenger 3y ago
For an app that runs on my Mac a monthly subscription does not make sense
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Why not?
  - your_challenger 3y ago
    Because MacWhisper is free for the tiny and base models and the paid version only costs $25 - https://goodsnooze.gumroad.com/l/macwhisper https://goodsnooze.gumroad.com/l/macwhisper
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Added a lifetime license option. https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e75f9-9ce7-4070-9d77-5a402def04d8 https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e7...
maccaw 3y ago
I've been using SuperWhisper since the start and it's totally changed my workflow. I actually bought a mic because of it and I now mostly narrate my emails and other long form texts. The larger models are very accurate. I know Neil is working on improving the speed of it using CoreML, which is I think the next big leap forward. Congratulations Neil!
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Thanks Alex!
xeor 3y ago
Looked very interesting untill I saw the monthly subscription. Does not make sense.. What would make sense in my head is a full demo for a week. Then $100-200 onetime for a personal pro.. I really hope this project surfaces in my feed in a couple of weeks with a more sane model
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Hey if you're willing to pay that upfront I'll spin up a plan for it and send you a link.
  - xeor 3y ago
    I think many people in here are.. If it works well with Norwegian, is actually useful, can be used on both my personal computers, sure.. I think it would be worth this. Why not think about it and make it a real plan for those who want it. Based on the comments, it seams like a blocker for many people.
    - nchudleigh 3y ago
      Good point! Based on popular demand, added a lifetime license option. As with all plans, there's a 30-day refund guarantee. https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e75f9-9ce7-4070-9d77-5a402def04d8 https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e7...
nchudleigh 3y ago
Alright, based on feedback from everyone going to offer a lifetime license. The price is set at $165. https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e75f9-9ce7-4070-9d77-5a402def04d8 https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e7...
spikey_sanju 3y ago
Good job! But does double pressing Ctrl on a Mac activate the voiceover? What sets your app apart?
spdustin 3y ago
I’m truly curious how many lifetime plans you’ve sold, since you added that option in response to comments here.
- nchudleigh 3y ago
  Exactly zero. Lol.

43 points by nchudleigh 3y ago

keepamovin 3y ago

I also have WisprNote on the app store for MacOS. Slightly different, just for doing voice memos and other files. I predict someone will comment: why not just use the large model on OpenAI api? Indeed you can! Large model is the best. However, it does not do live transcription, and it is not totally private, which you can do with offline app. My WisrpNote does not yet have live! Although I've prototyped it, been busy with other projects! It's on the list! I hope yours has live. I see you are going a paid model, does that mean that it is a subscription using OpenAI API or just paying for the download and utilization of these larger models essentially, even tho they run offline? Anyway, WisprNote is Powered by Wispr models from OpenAI using the ggml work on GitHub from ggreganov! Totally agree that MacOS has crap dictation! So is the Google dictation! And the iPhone dictation! https://apps.apple.com/app/wisprnote/id1671480366 https://apps.apple.com/app/wisprnote/id1671480366

_xnmw 3y ago

Why does every macOS app need to run from the menubar? I already have about a dozen tiny icons there, and it is so difficult to squint and find something when I don't even know what it's supposed to look like. It is so much easier to deal with GUI windows and launch apps from from Spotlight/Alfred/Launchpad.

Larrikin 3y ago
When combined with Bartender, I actually get annoyed when long running in the background programs are not in the menu bar. I assume one day Apple will kill that developers source of income.
nchudleigh 3y ago
Great question, in the case of superwhisper, the app itself doesnt really have an interface- it just plops the result text into whatever text field you have focused. So the menu bar icon indicates the recording processing and complete state and gives quick access to settings. I agree the menu bar is overcrowded, but I don't know if the app would work very well without the icon as it is the primary way that the current recording state is indicated. If you have ideas on how else I could approach this, let me know what you think.
- sprobertson 3y ago
  I don't mind the menu bar approach but another way would be something that can be triggered by CLI or a launcher like Alfred. ("Typed" with the menu bar app, by the way.)

darkteflon 3y ago

Can this be triggered with a keyboard shortcut? The video seems to imply that you can’t. Edit: Disappointed to see that the Pro plan is on a subscription basis.

nchudleigh 3y ago
100%, you can configure which keyboard shortcut you want to use in settings as well- check out the image linked below. https://imgur.com/a/LXlwy7F https://imgur.com/a/LXlwy7F
- darkteflon 3y ago
  Okay I see - perhaps the interface shown in the video is out of date. It’s a cool little app, I’d be happy to pay a few dollars for something like this, but not a subscription.
  - nchudleigh 3y ago
    Fair enough! Theres a very generous free tier (both small and base models enabled) that should cover a basic use case. Justification for charging a subscription is value based: 65 bucks a year is not a lot to spend if it saves you 10+ hours of time typing, and editing your messages. Dictating is joyful and saves me time each day. superwhisper spells/punctuates better and writes faster than I can with a keyboard. This alongside the cost to me, 10s of hours each week of my time as the solo developer go into: • Supporting users with their issues and bugs fixes • Continuing to update the app with new features (4 major features released this month alone) • Making sure you have access to the latest features and capabilities as AI advances. Also, keep in mind, with free / cheap solutions: "If you are not paying for it, you're the product".
    - darkteflon 3y ago
      Fair enough, it’s 100% your product to price how you see fit. I do think you’re shooting yourself in the foot a bit, though. But best of luck to you! The free version is great, keep up the good work.

janalsncm 3y ago

I won’t pay monthly for this. I would pay once, maybe even a lot of money if it worked well. But I won’t pay monthly.

nchudleigh 3y ago
Fair enough, the free tier should be plenty for a basic use-case! I would also challenge you on it: How much time does it save you each day? How could that translate to your income? Do you want the app to improve and add features over time? Is 65 dollars a year truly out of reach if you feel that you need pro level features?
- janalsncm 3y ago
  Respectfully, I am on a salary so it is very difficult to know whether this could translate to more than $65 in wage improvement over a year, even in theory. If I get a raise it will be due to a combination of reasons. However, if this is indeed a productivity enhancer, you should market to companies, not workers. You mention that I should pay an ongoing fee for features to be added over time. However, there is no guarantee of future feature development even if I do pay every month. And there is definitely no guarantee I will care about or like the new features either. If this transcription works well, that’s the only feature I need. Being charged monthly also doesn’t seem right when you’re not providing an ongoing service. If you develop a new feature that is better than the current version, I would pay for that as well.
  - nchudleigh 3y ago
    > However, if this is indeed a productivity enhancer, you should market to companies, not workers. That's the plan. Gotta start somewhere. > You mention that I should pay an ongoing fee for features to be added over time. However, there is no guarantee of future feature development even if I do pay every month. And there is definitely no guarantee I will care about or like the new features either. If this transcription works well, that’s the only feature I need. For a monthly subscription or annual subscription, the developer is incentivized to develop new features to retain the ongoing payments coming from the existing customer base. A one-time payment model actually incentivizes the developer to focus instead on marketing efforts every month and capturing new users rather than increasing/maintaining the satisfaction of the current user base. > Being charged monthly also doesn’t seem right when you’re not providing an ongoing service. If you develop a new feature that is better than the current version, I would pay for that as well. I definitely am providing an ongoing service. You get constant improvements to the application, bug fixes, and support. Would you prefer in-app purchases for each additional feature? Thanks for sharing your perspective on the pricing though. It's very helpful to see how people view the value of what I'm building versus their hard earned dollars. Fundamentally, this is the only pricing scheme that would make sense for me to continue development on this application and devote as much time to it as I am. I'm giving up a significant portion of my time to continue pushing development forward and I need to make sure that it makes sense for me personally if I want it to be something that isn't short-term.

your_challenger 3y ago

For an app that runs on my Mac a monthly subscription does not make sense

nchudleigh 3y ago
Why not?
- your_challenger 3y ago
  Because MacWhisper is free for the tiny and base models and the paid version only costs $25 - https://goodsnooze.gumroad.com/l/macwhisper https://goodsnooze.gumroad.com/l/macwhisper
nchudleigh 3y ago
Added a lifetime license option. https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e75f9-9ce7-4070-9d77-5a402def04d8 https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e7...

maccaw 3y ago

I've been using SuperWhisper since the start and it's totally changed my workflow. I actually bought a mic because of it and I now mostly narrate my emails and other long form texts. The larger models are very accurate. I know Neil is working on improving the speed of it using CoreML, which is I think the next big leap forward. Congratulations Neil!

nchudleigh 3y ago
Thanks Alex!

xeor 3y ago

Looked very interesting untill I saw the monthly subscription. Does not make sense.. What would make sense in my head is a full demo for a week. Then $100-200 onetime for a personal pro.. I really hope this project surfaces in my feed in a couple of weeks with a more sane model

nchudleigh 3y ago
Hey if you're willing to pay that upfront I'll spin up a plan for it and send you a link.
- xeor 3y ago
  I think many people in here are.. If it works well with Norwegian, is actually useful, can be used on both my personal computers, sure.. I think it would be worth this. Why not think about it and make it a real plan for those who want it. Based on the comments, it seams like a blocker for many people.
  - nchudleigh 3y ago
    Good point! Based on popular demand, added a lifetime license option. As with all plans, there's a 30-day refund guarantee. https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e75f9-9ce7-4070-9d77-5a402def04d8 https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e7...

nchudleigh 3y ago

Alright, based on feedback from everyone going to offer a lifetime license. The price is set at $165. https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e75f9-9ce7-4070-9d77-5a402def04d8 https://superwhisperapp.lemonsqueezy.com/checkout?cart=856e7...

spikey_sanju 3y ago

Good job! But does double pressing Ctrl on a Mac activate the voiceover? What sets your app apart?

spdustin 3y ago

I’m truly curious how many lifetime plans you’ve sold, since you added that option in response to comments here.

nchudleigh 3y ago
Exactly zero. Lol.