Google has introduced Google AI Edge Foresight, a new local-first competitor to AI note-taking tools such as Granola. Released by the same team behind the company’s April launch of an offline-capable AI dictation app, Foresight is designed to operate entirely on-device, ensuring users can capture and manage meeting notes without an internet connection.
The macOS application utilizes the 740-million-parameter EmbeddingGemma 2 model to transcribe meetings across various applications, including in-person audio. Mirroring the functionality of popular rival Granola, Foresight offers a split-screen interface where users can type shorthand notes on one side while AI-generated summaries appear on the other. Additionally, the app allows for manual note-taking alongside automatic transcription and provides access to full transcripts or interactive Q&A via a Gemma 4-powered assistant.
Users can also build a personal knowledge base by uploading documents in formats such as PDFs, Google Docs, Microsoft Office files, plain text, Markdown, and web bookmarks. When relevant data from these uploads arises during a conversation, the app can retrieve and answer questions about that information in real time. According to Google’s FAQ, the tool is optimized for Apple Silicon chips and is built to function completely offline, making it suitable for use during travel or in areas with limited connectivity.
While Google’s previous experimental dictation app did not achieve mainstream adoption, industry observers suggest that Foresight may serve primarily as a demonstration of the capabilities within the company’s Gemma series of offline models. There remains a possibility that Google could later release a consumer-facing version integrated into its Gemini apps, potentially working across video calling platforms and leveraging cloud-based processing.
The market for AI meeting assistants has become increasingly saturated in recent months. Competitors include dictation firm Wispr and scheduling platform Calendly, both of which have launched their own notetaking tools. Additionally, productivity company Superhuman, formerly known as Grammarly, acquired Y Combinator-backed notetaker Fathom last month.
I am so tired of subscription apps for simple notes. Glad to see Google building something that actually works offline.
Is this really just a demo for the Gemma models? It feels less like a product and more like a tech showcase.
Finally, an AI tool that respects my privacy by staying offline. This is a huge relief for security-conscious users.