Google launches AI Edge Foresight, a local-first competitor to Granola

Similar to Granola, Google AI Edge Foresight features a split-screen interface that allows users to jot down manual shorthand notes on one side while AI-generated notes appear on the other. The app also enables users to take manual notes concurrently with meeting transcriptions. Additionally, users can access the meeting transcript or engage with a Gemma 4-powered assistant to retrieve information.

The application supports the creation of a knowledge base by allowing users to upload documents in formats such as PDFs, Google Docs, Microsoft Office files, plain text, Markdown, and web bookmarks. This feature enables the app to provide real-time answers to questions related to the data within the knowledge base during meetings.

Google specified on its FAQ page that Google AI Edge Foresight is optimized for Apple Silicon and its offline functionality makes it suitable for use during travel or in areas with no internet connectivity. While Google's previous experimental dictation app did not achieve widespread adoption, this new meeting note-taker may serve to demonstrate the capabilities of its Gemma series of offline models. The company might also consider releasing a consumer version for video calling apps, utilizing its cloud models via Gemini apps.

The market for AI note-taking tools is competitive, with companies like Wispr and Calendly recently introducing their own solutions. Productivity startup Superhuman also acquired Fathom, a YC-backed note-taker, in the past month.