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A comprehensive technical deep dive into building Askimo - an open-source desktop AI chat client for ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Ollama built with Kotlin and Compose. Learn how we architected support for multiple AI models, handled concurrent streaming, implemented RAG for documents, and solved real-world challenges in production.
ChatGPT Desktop offers official OpenAI integration with voice support and seamless GPT model access. Askimo provides all-in-one AI flexibility, connecting to OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, X AI, Ollama, LM Studio, LocalAI, and Docker AI in one desktop app with local storage, RAG support, and offline capabilities. Compare features, pricing, and use cases to choose the right AI chat client for your workflow.
Askimo 1.2.0 introduces project-based RAG for answering questions using your documents with jvector and Apache Lucene search. Attach PDFs, spreadsheets, images, or code directly in conversations. Docker AI support joins OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and Ollama. Enhanced project sessions organize knowledge-based chats. Responsive design works across all screen sizes. macOS installer now fully notarized for secure installation.
Askimo App provides an Ollama GUI for running local AI models like Llama 3, Mistral, Phi 3, and Gemma. Features persistent history, in-chat search, starred conversations, and export options. Project-aware RAG enables chatting with your codebase or documents using local models with complete privacy. Switch seamlessly between Ollama and cloud providers. Includes lazy loading, custom directives, and automatic endpoint detection.
Askimo v1.0 launches the Desktop app with intelligent lazy loading for responsive long conversations, full-text search across entire chat history, and custom directives for consistent AI behavior. Features include theme customization, keyboard shortcuts, folder organization, and starred discussions. Supports OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and Ollama. Open-source and built for productivity-focused users needing multiple AI models chat without browser limitations.
Askimo App complements the CLI for interactive AI work. Switch between OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and Ollama in one session without separate browser tabs. The app maintains your workspace and conversation context when switching providers. Start with OpenAI, jump to Gemini, or use local Ollama models seamlessly. Features offline support, secure storage, and native cross-platform performance for unified AI workflows.
Askimo originated from developer frustration with fragmented AI tools. Created as a unified CLI for OpenAI, Ollama, and other providers, it became a daily-use command-line assistant for summarizing documents, writing drafts, and development tasks. Works everywhere via Homebrew, binaries, or Docker. Supports local context for project questions and seamless provider switching. Emphasizes reusable prompts and command recipes for DevOps automation.
