FluentCap

Introduction to FluentCap

FluentCap is a desktop application that provides real-time speech-to-text transcription and translation for any audio source on a user's computer. It captures system audio (e.g., movies, podcasts, video calls), microphone input, or both simultaneously — operating system-wide rather than being restricted to specific applications or web browsers. Designed for users who need accessible, flexible, and privacy-conscious transcription — including language learners, professionals in multilingual meetings, content creators, educators, and accessibility advocates — FluentCap eliminates vendor lock-in and subscription dependencies by adopting a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) model.

Unlike most captioning tools that require monthly subscriptions or limit functionality to certain platforms, FluentCap integrates directly with third-party speech-to-text providers. Users retain full control over their data, with all transcripts stored exclusively on the local machine and no backend servers involved in processing or storage.

Key Takeaways

• System-wide audio capture: supports system audio, microphone, or both concurrently
• Real-time transcription and translation across 100+ languages
• BYOK architecture: connect your own API key from Deepgram, AssemblyAI, Gladia, or Shunya
• Local-only data storage: transcripts, settings, and API keys are encrypted and never leave the device
• Pay-as-you-go pricing: no subscription fees; users pay only for actual transcription time via provider APIs
• Customizable interface: adjustable font size, opacity, color themes, positioning, and display modes (e.g., movie-mode subtitles)
• Generous free tier: providers offer $50–$200 in free credits, enabling hundreds of hours of transcription at no cost
• No internet dependency for transcript access: while live transcription requires connectivity, saved sessions are fully available offline

How FluentCap Works

FluentCap operates as a lightweight desktop client with no cloud backend. Upon first launch, users select a supported speech-to-text provider and enter their personal API key — which is encrypted and stored locally. The application then captures audio from the chosen source(s): system audio (via OS-level audio loopback), microphone input, or both. This raw audio stream is sent directly and securely to the selected provider’s API endpoint; FluentCap itself does not process, store, or intercept the audio.

Transcription and translation results are streamed back in real time and rendered in the FluentCap interface. Users can configure source and target languages independently, switch providers at any time without reconfiguration, and adjust UI behavior (e.g., auto-hiding toolbar in movie mode). All generated transcripts are saved locally in plain-text or structured formats, with session history searchable and exportable.

Core Benefits and Applications

FluentCap enables practical, cross-context use cases without compromising privacy or flexibility. For language learners, it supports real-time translation of foreign-language media (e.g., watching Japanese anime with Vietnamese subtitles). Professionals use it for transcribing hybrid meetings where both local and remote participants contribute audio. Educators and students leverage it for lecture note-taking and accessibility support. Content creators repurpose transcripts for captions, summaries, or SEO metadata.

The application excels in scenarios requiring broad compatibility: it works with DRM-free video players, browser-based streaming services (YouTube, Vimeo), local media files, VoIP applications (Zoom, Teams), and podcast clients — all without requiring browser extensions or per-app integrations. Its architecture also facilitates compliance with data governance policies, as no audio or transcript data passes through FluentCap-operated infrastructure.