Choose BYOK for four-platform flexibility
BYOK works across desktop and mobile. Connect one of your own Groq, OpenRouter, Google AI Studio keys and pay the provider directly for any usage. It is a cloud route, not local or offline processing.
No-subscription voice typing
Voice typing without a monthly subscription
Short answer
use.fo has two ways to avoid a monthly use.fo subscription: BYOK on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, or Local AI on supported Windows x86/x64 PCs and Apple Silicon Macs. Both use a one-time use.fo license. BYOK can still incur usage charges from your chosen provider, so it is not a claim of zero cost.
Who this route is for
- People who do not want another software subscription
- Existing API-key users who want provider control
- Windows users who want an on-device route on capable hardware
Choose the route that matches your constraints
| Route | Platforms | Payment to use.fo | Where processing happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYOK | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | One-time license; provider usage may apply | Your selected provider |
| Local AI | Windows x86/x64; Apple Silicon Mac | One-time license | On supported device after setup |
| Subscription | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Monthly or annual | Managed cloud route |
Choose Local AI for supported desktop processing
Local AI processes speech recognition and rewrite on-device after the initial license verification and model download. It is available only on Apple Silicon Macs and Windows x86/x64 hardware that meets the VRAM requirement.
A Windows-specific route
Windows users can choose BYOK for lower hardware requirements or Local AI for on-device processing. The Windows decision page links the hardware, installation, benchmark, and case-study evidence in one place.
Important limitations
- BYOK is not free: third-party providers can bill for usage.
- Local AI is not available on Intel Mac, Windows ARM, iOS, or Android.
- use.fo is not currently a Team or Business administration product.
Frequently asked questions
No. BYOK and Local AI use one-time use.fo licenses. BYOK can also create charges from the provider whose API key you choose.
BYOK Mobile works on iOS and Android. Local AI is not available on mobile devices.
Choose BYOK when you want provider choice or have lower-spec hardware. Choose Local AI when you have supported Windows x86/x64 hardware with sufficient VRAM and want on-device processing.
Evidence and updates
Facts checked on July 24, 2026
Reviewed by use.fo product team. Sources below identify whether a fact comes from an official product page, a first-party test, customer evidence, or an independent source.
- use.fo Product Facts — plans, platform matrix, providers, data routes, unsupported features; checked July 24, 2026 (official).
- use.fo Pricing — license price, license scope, provider cost disclosure; checked July 24, 2026 (official).
- Local AI hardware requirements — Windows architecture, VRAM requirement, Apple Silicon support; checked July 24, 2026 (first party test).
Update log: July 24, 2026 — Published the no-subscription product fact registry and clarified BYOK, Local AI, and Windows support boundaries.
Continue your decision
Last product-fact verification: 2026-07-24.