
Jan is a cutting-edge, open-source alternative to ChatGPT that allows for offline AI interaction right on your desktop. It is a highly customizable tool designed for secure and private interactions on the desktop, with all conversations and preferences staying solely on the user's computer. Jan is developed openly in public, demonstrating a strong commitment to open-source AI. It comes with features like operating completely offline, open-source development on GitHub, customizable AI assistants, compatibility with OpenAI's API, and productivity-enhancing tools like global hotkeys and inline AI. Jan is still in development, so potential bugs may be encountered, but it offers an API server at localhost:1337 that mimics OpenAI's API for seamless integration with compatible applications. The project's roadmap, changelog, and documentation are easily accessible for developers and enthusiasts interested in contributing or following Jan's progress.
Jan was created by a team of AI researchers and engineers who are the lead maintainers of several open-source AI tools, including Jan and Cortex. The company behind Jan, known for its robotics focus, aims to advance human-machine collaboration for the benefit of human civilization. Operating as a bootstrapped startup, the company emphasizes technical innovation alongside developing a sustainable business model through services like consulting and custom development. Jan's philosophy centers on user ownership, open-source principles, and privacy by default, with a committed community supporting its development.
To use Jan, an open-source alternative to ChatGPT, follow these steps:
Download Jan: Obtain Jan for your operating system, such as Mac M1, M2, M3, Mac (Intel), Windows, Linux (AppImage), or Linux (deb).
Installation: Install Jan on your personal computer.
Offline Operation: Jan runs completely offline, ensuring secure and private interactions on your desktop.
Customization: Tailor Jan's AI assistants to your specific workflow needs, making it a personalized experience.
API Server: Jan creates an API server at localhost:1337, compatible with OpenAI's API, facilitating easy integration with compatible applications.
Productivity Features: Benefit from tools like global hotkeys and inline AI to enhance productivity.
Stay Updated: As Jan is in development, be prepared for potential bugs. Stay informed by reviewing the roadmap and updates for improvements.
Community Contribution: Engage with the community on GitHub, where all code and development processes are available for public contributions and review.
Extensions: Customize Jan with extensions to meet specific requirements, enhancing the AI experience further.
User Privacy: Enjoy data privacy and control as Jan prioritizes local storage and user-owned data.
By following these steps, you can leverage Jan's offline AI capabilities, customization options, and productivity-enhancing features while prioritizing user privacy and data control.
For more information and FAQs, refer to the provided documentation and resources available on Jan's website.
I love the fact that Jan operates completely offline, which means my data stays private. The customization options are fantastic; I can tweak the AI's personality to suit my needs, making interactions feel much more personal.
As it's still in development, I occasionally run into bugs that can be a bit frustrating. However, the active community on GitHub helps to address these issues quickly.
Jan helps me streamline my workflow by allowing me to integrate AI capabilities directly into my desktop applications without worrying about internet connectivity or privacy issues. This has significantly increased my productivity.
Jan's open-source nature is a game changer. I appreciate being able to see the code and even contribute to its development. The offline functionality is also a huge plus for privacy-conscious users.
The user interface could use some polishing; sometimes it feels a bit clunky. However, it's a minor issue considering the overall functionality.
With Jan, I can have a personal assistant that respects my privacy. It allows me to generate ideas and write without the fear of my data being tracked or stored online.
The customization is superb! I can adjust the AI's responses to fit my style. Plus, having it work offline means I can use it anywhere, anytime.
It can sometimes take a while to set up, especially for non-tech-savvy users. But once it's up and running, it's worth it.
Jan has been instrumental in helping me with coding projects. It offers suggestions and explanations without needing an internet connection, which is perfect for my workflow.