Terms of Service

Last updated: February 27, 2026

Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully before using Koe ("App") and the koe.fm website ("Site").

Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using Koe, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.

Description of Service

Koe is a voice dictation application that converts speech to text. The App offers:

  • Local transcription using OpenAI Whisper models running on your device
  • Cloud transcription using your own API keys (BYOK - Bring Your Own Key)
  • Pro subscription providing managed cloud transcription without requiring your own API keys

License

Koe grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the App for personal or commercial purposes, subject to these Terms.

You may:

  • Use the App on any Mac computers you own or control
  • Use transcriptions for any lawful purpose

You may not:

  • Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
  • Redistribute, sell, or sublicense the App
  • Remove any proprietary notices from the App
  • Use the App for any unlawful purpose

Free and Pro Versions

Free Version

The free version of Koe includes:

  • Local Whisper models (tiny, base, small, medium)
  • BYOK cloud transcription (Mistral, OpenAI, Groq)
  • All core features

Pro Version

The Pro version ($9.99/month) includes:

  • Managed cloud transcription - no API keys needed
  • Unlimited transcriptions
  • Access to the latest AI models
  • Priority support

Subscription Terms

  • Pro subscriptions are billed monthly via Stripe
  • You can cancel anytime from the app or the Stripe customer portal
  • Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
  • No refunds for partial months
  • We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days notice

Third-Party Services

BYOK Mode

When you use your own API keys for cloud transcription:

  • You are responsible for compliance with the third-party provider's terms
  • You are responsible for any costs incurred with the provider
  • We are not responsible for the third-party service's availability or accuracy

Whisper Models

The App uses OpenAI's Whisper models, which are licensed under MIT License. These models are downloaded and run locally on your device.

Disclaimer of Warranties

THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Accuracy of transcriptions
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation

Voice recognition technology is not perfect. You should review all transcriptions before using them for important purposes.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, KOE AND ITS DEVELOPERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Any loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
  • Any damages arising from your use or inability to use the App

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid for the App (if any) in the twelve months preceding the claim.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Koe and its developers from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

  • Your use of the App
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third party's rights

Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we handle your information.

Key points:

  • Local mode - Your audio and transcriptions never leave your device
  • BYOK mode - Audio goes directly from your Mac to your chosen provider
  • Pro mode - Audio passes through our proxy server to reach provider APIs, but we never store, read, or process it

Updates and Modifications

We may:

  • Update the App to fix bugs or add features
  • Modify these Terms at any time

Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Termination

You may stop using the App at any time by uninstalling it.

We may terminate or suspend your access to the App if you violate these Terms.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of France, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be resolved through:

  1. Good faith negotiation
  2. If negotiation fails, binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce)

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Koe regarding your use of the App.

Contact

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: hi+koe@gwendall.com

Summary: Use Koe responsibly. We provide the software "as is" without guarantees of perfect accuracy. Your use of third-party services (via BYOK) is subject to their terms. When using local mode, your data stays on your device.