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kuku

Freemium
Inputs: text, file, audioOutputs: text, file
Type
Saas
Company
Kuku

About kuku

Kuku is a truly native, local-first markdown editor designed for macOS, built using Tauri for superior performance and minimal resource consumption compared to Electron applications. It adheres to an open format, storing notes as plain .md files with support for wikilinks, backlinks, and a graph view, ensuring data remains secure on the user's disk without cloud lock-in. Kuku features an advanced AI agent (powered by Gemini with tool calling) capable of searching vaults, reading files, and creating documents. All AI modifications are presented as Cursor-style diffs for user review and acceptance, enhancing control and trust. It also includes local, offline speech-to-text using Whisper and highly efficient full-text search.

How to Use

Users must download and install Kuku for macOS (either via the website or using Homebrew). Notes are written in standard Markdown format. Users utilize bidirectional links by typing [[ for navigation and structure. The AI Agent is activated via prompts to perform complex tasks like searching the vault, summarizing documents, or creating new files, with suggested changes displayed as reviewable diffs.

Key Features

  • Native macOS App built with Tauri (fast and lightweight)
  • Local-first storage using Plain Markdown (.md files, no lock-in)
  • AI Agent (Gemini with tool calling) for vault search and content generation
  • Cursor-style Edit Preview showing AI changes as diffs
  • Bidirectional Links, Backlinks, and Graph View
  • Local Whisper STT for offline speech-to-text recognition

Use Cases

  • Connecting and organizing complex ideas using graph visualization and wikilinks.
  • Using AI commands to instantly summarize meeting notes or generate new project documents.
  • Taking and transcribing notes offline using the local speech-to-text functionality.
  • Transitioning from Obsidian without migrating data, as Kuku is compatible with existing Obsidian vaults and syntax.

Key Features

Native macOS App built with Tauri (fast and lightweight)
Local-first storage using Plain Markdown (.md files, no lock-in)
AI Agent (Gemini with tool calling) for vault search and content generation
Cursor-style Edit Preview showing AI changes as diffs
Bidirectional Links, Backlinks, and Graph View
Local Whisper STT for offline speech-to-text recognition

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Superior performance and low resource usage compared to Electron apps
  • Complete data privacy with local-first storage in open .md format
  • Powerful AI integration with transparent diff-based review process
  • Offline capabilities including speech-to-text and full-text search
  • No vendor lock-in, easy migration of files
  • macOS-native experience with graph views for knowledge mapping
Cons
  • Exclusive to macOS, no cross-platform support mentioned
  • Relies on Gemini API for AI features, requiring user setup and potential costs
  • Freemium model may limit advanced features in free tier
  • Early-stage project based on GitHub presence, potential for bugs
  • Local Whisper models may require significant initial download and storage

Best For

Connecting and organizing complex ideas using graph visualization and wikilinks.Using AI commands to instantly summarize meeting notes or generate new project documents.Taking and transcribing notes offline using the local speech-to-text functionality.Transitioning from Obsidian without migrating data, as Kuku is compatible with existing Obsidian vaults and syntax.

Alternatives to kuku

FAQ

Is Kuku completely offline?
Yes, core editing, storage, search, and speech-to-text are local and offline. AI features require Gemini API access.
What file format does Kuku use?
All notes are stored as plain .md Markdown files, fully portable and editable elsewhere.
How does the AI work in Kuku?
Powered by Gemini with tool calling, it can search vaults, read files, create documents, and shows changes as diffs for user approval.
Is there a graph view?
Yes, it supports wikilinks, backlinks, and a graph view for visualizing note connections.
What is the pricing model?
Freemium, with a free tier and premium features available.
Does it support speech-to-text?
Yes, using local offline Whisper for transcription.