A closer look
Local AI transcription on your Mac
In its default local mode, Pure Brief AI records audio, transcribes it and prepares AI notes on your Mac. This makes the data path easier to understand: meeting content does not need to be uploaded for local processing.
What runs locally
Recording, transcription, summaries, tasks, search and questions about a meeting run on the Mac in local mode. Your computer does the processing, so speed depends on its chip, available memory and the model you choose.
Choose a model for your Mac
You need an Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 15 or later. Compact models work with 8 GB of memory; 16 GB is recommended, and detailed processing benefits from 24 GB. Intel Macs and Windows are not supported.
When the app needs the internet
Initial model downloads, activation and periodic licence checks use the network. An activated licence can work offline for up to 14 days between successful checks. Connected Google and Microsoft calendars also need internet access.
Cloud transcription is a choice
If you explicitly choose ElevenLabs and supply your own API key, audio is sent to ElevenLabs for transcription. This is an optional cloud workflow, not the default local mode. Notes and tasks are then generated locally.
Check the result
Audio quality, language and overlapping speakers affect transcription. Review names, numbers and important commitments against the recording before relying on the notes. Local processing does not make AI error-free.
Questions, answered
Does my audio leave my Mac?
Not in the default on-device mode: recording, transcription, notes and search all run locally. Audio is sent out only if you switch transcription to ElevenLabs with your own key. The licence check sends no meeting data.
Which languages does it understand?
Transcription and the interface support ten languages: Ukrainian, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Meetings can contain several languages; in Settings you choose which languages automatic detection considers.
Which Macs are supported?
Macs with Apple Silicon on macOS 15 or later. 8 GB of memory runs the compact model; 16 GB is recommended for everyday meetings, 24 GB for the most detailed notes.
Does it need the internet?
Initial model downloads, activation and periodic licence checks use the network. An activated licence can work offline for up to 14 days between successful checks. Connected Google and Microsoft calendars also need internet access. If you explicitly choose ElevenLabs and supply your own API key, audio is sent to ElevenLabs for transcription. This is an optional cloud workflow, not the default local mode. Notes and tasks are then generated locally.