Getting Started with Akita

Unlock the full potential of your AI assistant. This guide explains how Akita works and how to configure it for the ultimate experience.

The Power of a Hybrid System: Local vs. Cloud

Akita is designed with a unique hybrid architecture. It combines powerful **local (offline)** processing for speed and privacy with **cloud-based (API)** services for cutting-edge intelligence. You are in complete control of which services you want to enable.

Local (Offline) First

Core functionality runs directly on your machine. This is the default, out-of-the-box experience.

  • Instant Speed: Commands are executed without network delay.
  • Always Available: Works perfectly without an internet connection.
  • Maximum Privacy: No data ever leaves your computer.
  • Included Services: Vosk (Speech-to-Text) and Windows SAPI / Kokoro-ONNX (Text-to-Speech).

Cloud (API) Powered

By adding your own API keys, you can unlock advanced capabilities from world-leading AI providers.

  • Superior Intelligence: Access to models like GPT-4o and Gemini.
  • Highest Accuracy: Cloud-based speech recognition is incredibly precise.
  • Human-Like Voices: Premium, natural-sounding TTS from ElevenLabs & OpenAI.
  • Requires: Your personal API keys and an internet connection.

Your 3-Step Setup Guide

Follow these steps to go from basic setup to a fully-powered AI powerhouse.

1. Download and Install Akita

Once you join the waitlist and receive your download link, simply run the installer. Akita will be ready to use immediately with its powerful offline capabilities—no keys required for basic operation.

Initial test: Try a local command! Press your hotkey and say, "Akita, open Notepad."

2. Understanding API Keys

An API key is like a private password that lets Akita access a cloud service on your behalf. You provide your own keys, which means you have a direct relationship with the service provider. Akita simply acts as the secure command center for them.

Your Keys, Your Data. Akita stores your API keys securely and encrypted on your local machine. They are never sent to us or any third party. All API calls are made directly from your computer to the provider (e.g., OpenAI, Google). This design ensures your privacy is protected.

3. Add Your Keys to Unlock Full Power

In the Akita application, navigate to the settings or configuration tab. You will find fields to enter your API keys for different services. Below is a guide to getting the most common ones.

OpenAI (for GPT models and premium TTS)

This key gives you access to models like GPT-4o for advanced reasoning and a selection of high-quality text-to-speech voices.

Get Your OpenAI Key

[Screenshot of Akita's GUI showing the OpenAI API key input field]

Google (for Gemini and Google Cloud Speech)

A Google API key unlocks the Gemini family of models for multi-modal understanding (text and images). You can also enable Google Cloud Speech for highly accurate speech recognition.

Get Your Google Gemini Key

[Screenshot of Akita's GUI showing the Google Gemini API key input field]

ElevenLabs (for Premium Voice Cloning & TTS)

For the most realistic and emotionally expressive voices available, an ElevenLabs key is essential. Akita integrates seamlessly with their voice library.

Get Your ElevenLabs Key

[Screenshot of Akita's TTS engine dropdown showing ElevenLabs selected]

After entering a key, simply select the corresponding service from the dropdown menus in Akita's main interface for Speech Recognition, TTS, or the AI Agent. The change is instant—no restart required!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to enter my API keys into Akita?

Yes. Security is our top priority. Your keys are stored encrypted on your local hard drive and are only used to make direct calls from your machine to the API provider. Akita's developers have no access to them.

Why isn't a premium feature (like GPT-4o) working?

This is almost always due to one of two things: 1) The API key is missing or incorrect in the settings, or 2) Your account with the provider (e.g., OpenAI) does not have sufficient credits or a valid payment method. Please check both your Akita settings and your provider's account dashboard.

Can I use Akita completely offline?

Absolutely. Akita is designed to be a powerful tool even without an internet connection. You will have access to all local commands, offline speech recognition (Vosk), and offline text-to-speech, ensuring reliability and privacy whenever you need it.