Noi: Run ChatGPT and Claude Together on Desktop
▼ Summary
– Noi is a free, installable application that provides a single user interface to access multiple AI services like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
– It includes features such as multi-window management, session isolation, local data storage for history, and a built-in terminal for local commands.
– The app allows users to create custom “spaces,” which are separate sidebars populated only with specific services for a more efficient workflow.
– Some services within Noi, like Gemini and Perplexity, can be used without an account, while others require a login to sync and track chats.
– Noi is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and can be downloaded and installed directly from its official website.
For users who regularly engage with multiple artificial intelligence platforms, managing separate browser tabs and logins can become cumbersome. Noi offers a streamlined solution by consolidating various AI services into a single, unified desktop application. This free tool provides a centralized interface for accessing popular models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, alongside powerful features for organization and local command execution.
While many power users, including the author, prefer locally installed AI for control and privacy, Noi significantly simplifies workflows. The application functions as a graphical hub, bringing disparate services under one digital roof. Its feature set extends beyond simple access, including multi-window management, session isolation, and local-first data storage for chat histories and prompts. A built-in terminal allows for running local commands, and users can customize the interface with multiple themes.
A key advantage is flexibility in authentication. For services like Gemini and Perplexity, you can use the app anonymously without signing in. However, logging into an account is necessary to sync and track chats across sessions. The author successfully tested the setup by running a query through Qwen via Perplexity to generate Python GUI code, demonstrating practical functionality after a minor initial access hiccup.
Organization is handled through a Spaces system. The default sidebar contains numerous services, but users can create custom spaces populated only with the tools they need for specific tasks. To create a new space, you click the Spaces icon in the bottom toolbar, name it, and then manually add services by providing their URLs, such as `https://www.chatgpt.com` for ChatGPT. This allows for efficient context switching between different project configurations.
Notably, Noi also supports integration with local AI instances. The author configured it to connect to a local Ollama server running via WebUI by entering the local IP address and port. This means users can seamlessly blend cloud-based AI services with their private, locally-hosted models within the same application window. Although the current version lacks a simple “pin” function for quickly adding services to a new space, the manual URL method is effective.
Noi is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Installation is straightforward: download the appropriate installer from the official Noi website and run it like any other desktop application. For anyone juggling multiple AI interfaces, this tool eliminates tab clutter and login fatigue, creating a more efficient and organized workspace.
(Source: ZDNet)
