Frequently asked questions
What is embral?
embral is a Windows desktop app for meetings and dictation. It records your calls from your computer, transcribes them live, and writes structured notes when you stop. The same app types what you say into any program, cleaned up as you go. Everything runs locally by default, and you can also import recordings you already have (wav, mp3, m4a, or aac).
Does my audio leave my machine?
Not unless you sign in and turn on cloud processing. By default transcription and note writing happen on your own computer, and so does search. If you use embral cloud, audio streams through our servers to be transcribed and comes straight back. We store none of it.
Does embral join my calls as a bot?
No. Nothing joins the meeting and nobody sees an extra attendee. embral records from your microphone and your computer's audio, which is why it works even with headphones in.
Does it work offline?
Yes. The models download once, on first run. After that, recording, transcription, notes, and search work with no connection at all. Cloud processing is the only part that needs the internet, and it is optional.
Can I really dictate into any app?
Yes. The hotkey works while any program has focus, and the finished text is pasted where your cursor is. Tap to start and stop, or hold the key like a walkie-talkie. embral cleans up punctuation and filler words before the text lands, and keeps every dictation in a searchable history.
What languages does it support?
The default on-device models are English, in sizes from 45 MB up to 660 MB depending on the accuracy you want. A 670 MB multilingual model covers 25 European languages, English included.
What does embral cloud add, and what does it cost?
Cloud transcription is faster than the on-device models and labels up to 15 speakers live, and summaries come from a larger model. Plans start at $7 a month for 10 hours, with 20 hours for $9 and 40 for $13. Hours are shared between meetings and dictation, and a first subscription has a 14 day refund window.
What happens when my cloud hours run out?
You choose. Transcription switches to your device, or pauses until you have hours again, and the recording continues either way. Extra hours cost 30¢ each with a $3 minimum, and they roll over and never expire.
Where is my data stored, and can other tools read it?
In a folder you choose on your own disk. Notes and transcripts are Markdown, the source of truth is a SQLite database, and audio is optional MP3s with retention you control. Notes can auto-export into an Obsidian vault, and a built-in read-only MCP server lets assistants like Claude search and read your meetings, even while the app is closed.
What platforms does it run on?
Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit. A macOS version is deferred and not currently scheduled. The free edition is complete on its own, the installer keeps itself updated, and the on-device core is open source at github.com/avirut/embral-core.