Stenox

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Stenox is a macOS dictation software leveraging on-device AI transcription (via OpenAI Whisper and Apple MLX framework) and cloud APIs. It functions as a system-wide voice-to-text tool for any application or browser text field.
2. Core Value Proposition: Stenox exists to replace manual typing with faster, more natural voice input while ensuring user privacy and offering unprecedented flexibility in transcription engines (local or cloud). Its core value is capturing ideas at speech-speed with AI-powered cleanup directly on the Mac.

Main Features

1. Universal Dictation Hotkey: Triggers system-wide voice input instantly in any active text field across macOS applications (Safari, Chrome, Slack, Notes, VS Code, etc.), eliminating app-switching.
2. Multi-Engine Transcription:
   • Local Processing: Utilizes OpenAI's Whisper model optimized via Apple's MLX framework for offline, private transcription on Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3 chips).
   • BYOK Cloud Providers: Supports integration with user-provided API keys for Deepgram, AssemblyAI, Groq, OpenAI Whisper API, and others (8+ options).
   • Stenox Cloud: Offers a managed, optimized cloud service for faster, higher-accuracy transcription without managing API keys ($5 credit included with Lifetime plan).
3. AI-Powered Speech Cleanup: Automatically removes filler words (e.g., "um," "uh," "like," "you know") and applies basic formatting. Handles live corrections (e.g., "wait, no," "actually") to extract the user's final intent.
4. Smart App Profiles: Creates and auto-switches custom dictation profiles based on the active application. Enables granular control over settings (language, vocabulary, engine) for specific contexts like coding in VS Code or messaging in Slack.
5. Custom Vocabulary & Privacy: Adds custom words/phrases (names, jargon) to improve recognition accuracy. Ensures data privacy – local processing keeps data on-device; cloud usage adheres solely to the respective API provider's policy. No data is stored by Stenox itself beyond local transcripts (Free plan).

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Slow manual typing hinders idea capture and workflow efficiency. Existing dictation tools are often app-limited, lack advanced cleanup, compromise privacy, or require expensive subscriptions.
2. Target Audience:
   • Knowledge Workers: Writers, researchers, students, journalists needing fast note-taking and document drafting.
   • Developers & Technical Users: Programmers (e.g., in VS Code) seeking hands-free code comments/docs.
   • Accessibility Users: Individuals benefiting from voice input for physical ease.
   • Privacy-Conscious Professionals: Lawyers, healthcare workers, executives requiring confidential dictation (leveraging local processing).
   • Multilingual Communicators: Users needing transcription in 100+ languages.
3. Use Cases:
   • Drafting emails/docs in Mail or Pages without typing.
   • Writing code comments/docs directly in IDEs like VS Code or Xcode.
   • Taking meeting notes in real-time within Notes or Notion.
   • Composing messages quickly in Slack, Discord, or Messages.
   • Filling web forms or searching in any browser.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation:
   • vs. Built-in macOS Dictation: Superior accuracy (especially offline), advanced cleanup (filler removal, corrections), custom vocab, app profiles, cloud engine choice.
   • vs. Cloud-Only Competitors (e.g., Otter.ai): Offers privacy-first local processing, no mandatory subscriptions (Lifetime license), BYOK flexibility, system-wide access.
   • vs. Other Local Options: Deeper Whisper+MLX optimization for Apple Silicon, comprehensive feature set (profiles, cleanup), and seamless cloud fallback.
2. Key Innovation: The seamless integration of optimized on-device Whisper/MLX transcription with flexible BYOK cloud support and Stenox Cloud, all managed through intelligent app-specific profiles and real-time AI speech cleanup, delivering unmatched speed, privacy, and accuracy within a single macOS utility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Stenox work offline and keep my data private? Yes, Stenox offers offline transcription using Whisper and Apple MLX on Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3), ensuring all audio and text remain completely private on your device. Cloud usage requires your own API keys or Stenox Cloud.
2. How does Stenox handle filler words and corrections? Stenox uses AI-powered post-processing to automatically remove filler words (um, uh, like) and intelligently interprets live corrections (e.g., "wait, no", "actually") to produce clean, final intent text, significantly improving transcription quality.
3. What's the difference between the Free, Lifetime, and Lifetime Plus plans? The Free plan includes all features with a 5 min/day transcription limit (local or BYOK). The Lifetime plan ($39) adds unlimited minutes, Stenox Cloud credit ($5), lifetime updates, use on 3 Macs, and priority support. Lifetime Plus ($199) is the same as Lifetime but offers the best value for long-term use.
4. Can I use Stenox with my existing cloud speech-to-text API accounts? Absolutely. Stenox supports Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) for major providers like Deepgram, AssemblyAI, Groq, OpenAI Whisper API, and others, giving you flexibility and cost control over cloud transcription.
5. Why are Smart App Profiles useful for voice dictation? Smart App Profiles allow you to customize dictation settings (language, vocabulary, preferred engine - local/cloud) for specific applications. Stenox auto-switches profiles when you change apps, optimizing accuracy and workflow (e.g., technical terms in VS Code, casual language in Messages).