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[ARTICLE · art-56396] src=github.com ↗ pub= topic=ai-tools verified=true sentiment=↑ positive

Show HN: Wisp – open-source private desktop AI overlay with MCP support

Developer SunnyLich released Wisp, an open-source desktop AI overlay that lets users interact with AI assistants via keyboard shortcuts, voice, and context-aware prompts without leaving their current application. The tool supports 20+ local and remote AI providers, runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and prioritizes local-first data privacy.

read1 min views1 publishedJul 12, 2026

I built Wisp because I kept alt-tabbing between my editor/browser/docs and chat apps, copying context over, waiting for an answer, then copying the result back.

Wisp is a desktop overlay for using AI from whatever app you are already in.

-You can prompt with your choice of context (Text, screenshot, snipping, active app etc) in a few key strokes

-For longer back-and-forth, it can open into a full chat window.

-Supports hold-to-talk voice queries, dictation into any field, local TTS,

-Can pastes the result back directly over selected text.

-Data is local first, and nothing is sent to provider without your permission

-It supports 20+ local and remote providers, including OpenRouter, Groq, Gemini, Ollama, and LM Studio.

-Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

v0.9 Added Wisp Context Server: trusted MCP clients can read selected text, clipboard, active window, browser-page text, and screen snippets.

I no longer have access to Mac hardware, so I would especially appreciate macOS testing. Bug reports and ideas are appreciated.

Repo + demo GIFs:

https://github.com/SunnyLich/Wisp-AI-Assistant Website:

[https://sunnylich.github.io/Wisp-AI-Assistant/#overview](https://sunnylich.github.io/Wisp-AI-Assistant/#overview)

Comments URL: [https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48882687](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48882687)

Points: 1

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