Unified AI workspace for macOS. Chat, browse, manage files, and use voice
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Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Free, no paid tier. Compare plans
Key facts
- Native macOS AI workspace integrating conversations, files, browsers, and voice control in a floating interface.
- Supports multiple AI models: advanced model accounts, API keys, or local Ollama models with per-chat model selection.
- Data stays on your Mac unless you enable cloud processing; available with installer and open-source code.
Pros
- All data stays on your Mac for privacy; no mandatory cloud processing
- Flexible model support allows use of free local models or your own API subscriptions
- Voice and parallel tasks reduce friction by letting you work while AI processes
Cons
- Early beta with rough edges: missing Apple notarization and second-Mac support
- Requires macOS 14+ and Apple Silicon; voice control needs a separate API key
What is Proto-Mind?
Proto-Mind is a native macOS application that creates a unified workspace for AI interactions, combining conversations, web browsing, file management, and voice control into a single floating interface. Built for Apple Silicon Macs, it allows users to run tasks in parallel, choose from multiple AI models (including advanced models, API-connected models, or local Ollama instances), and keep project memory persistent across sessions. The workspace can be minimized to a small cube that stays out of the way, and companion windows can be detached and resized for a customized layout.
Developed by VIRENCORE as an independent project, Proto-Mind is available with both a Mac installer and Apache 2.0 source code. It stores conversation history and saved memory locally on the user's Mac, with cloud processing only occurring when explicitly enabled for voice or model queries. The application supports English and Russian interfaces and requires macOS 14 or later.
Proto-Mind aims to reduce context switching by keeping AI assistance close to the user's work. Voice commands can open projects, send tasks, or make corrections while models are running. Users can review and edit what the system remembers, and each conversation can use a different model and account.
Key Features
- Floating workspace that folds into a cube to reclaim screen space
- Parallel task execution with detachable companion windows
- Live voice control for opening projects, sending tasks, and making corrections
- Project memory that stores preferences, decisions, and notes across sessions
- Model flexibility: ChatGPT (Codex), supported APIs, or local Ollama models
- Explicit Mac access for file and command operations (opt-in)
Pricing
Free
Proto-Mind is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
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Proto-Mind FAQ
How does Proto-Mind reduce context switching during work on a Mac?
Proto-Mind keeps AI assistance always available through a unified floating interface that can be minimized to a small cube, so you can chat, browse the web, manage files, or use voice without leaving your current project. Companion windows can be detached and resized, letting you arrange the workspace exactly around your tasks. This design helps you stay focused while the AI processes parallel tasks in the background.
How does Proto-Mind compare to Raycast for managing workflows on macOS?
Proto-Mind is a dedicated AI workspace, unlike Raycast which is primarily a system-level launcher and productivity tool. Proto-Mind focuses on persistent project memory, multi-model chats, voice control, and local file management within a single floating interface, while Raycast excels at quick commands and app launching. Both run natively on macOS, but Proto-Mind requires macOS 14 and Apple Silicon and offers local storage for all conversation history and saved memory.
What are the main limitations or trade-offs of using Proto-Mind in its current form?
Proto-Mind is an early beta, so users may encounter rough edges including missing Apple notarization and second-Mac support. It requires macOS 14 or later and an Apple Silicon Mac. Additionally, voice control needs a separate API key, and cloud processing for voice or model queries only happens when you explicitly enable it.
Which teams would benefit most from using Proto-Mind?
Teams working on macOS with Apple Silicon who need a private, customizable AI assistant integrated into daily workflows would benefit most. This includes developers, researchers, and project managers who want to run multiple AI models in parallel, keep persistent project memory across sessions, and reduce context switching while browsing or managing files. It is particularly suited for users who prioritize local data privacy and flexibility over polished out-of-the-box features.
How is Proto-Mind priced?
Proto-Mind is free to use with no paid plan required, so there are no subscription or licensing fees to access its core features. Users only need to cover any external API keys they choose to connect, for example for voice control or certain model providers, but the application itself does not charge.
Does Proto-Mind support local AI models alongside cloud-based ones?
Yes, Proto-Mind lets you choose from multiple AI models, including advanced cloud-based models, API-connected models, or local Ollama instances, all within the same unified workspace. Each conversation can use a different model and account, giving you flexibility to pick the best tool for each task. All conversation history and saved memory stays on your Mac, with cloud processing only occurring when you explicitly enable it for voice or model queries.
Can Proto-Mind run tasks in parallel while I continue working?
Yes, Proto-Mind allows you to run tasks in parallel, so the AI processes requests in the background while you stay productive. Voice commands can open projects, send tasks, or make corrections even while models are running, reducing friction and waiting time.
How does Proto-Mind handle user privacy and data storage?
Proto-Mind stores all conversation history and saved memory locally on your Mac, so no data leaves your machine unless you explicitly enable cloud processing for voice or model queries. The application supports persistent project memory across sessions, and you can review and edit what the system remembers at any time.
Source: virencore.com