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Willow

Willow is a fast, accurate, private, and affordable open-source voice assistant platform.

Description

Willow is an open-source, privacy-focused platform for voice assistants and other applications, built using the ESP IDF and primarily targeting the ESP32-S3-BOX hardware. It offers performance and functionality comparable to Amazon Echo or Google Home, but with a focus on self-hosting, low cost, and user privacy. Willow boasts fast response times, high accuracy, and reliable operation, with features like wake word detection, voice activity detection, and integration with platforms such as Home Assistant and openHAB. Its flexibility allows for local command recognition or use of the Willow Inference Server, providing extensive customization options. The project emphasizes affordability and ease of use with readily available hardware and a straightforward setup process.

Features

Key features include a fast and accurate wake word engine, voice activity detection, support for Home Assistant and openHAB, and the ability to integrate with various REST APIs. It offers excellent far-field performance, high-quality audio processing (including noise suppression and echo cancellation), and adaptability to challenging Wi-Fi environments. Willow also supports LCD and touchscreen interfaces (on compatible hardware) and provides options for on-device command recognition or utilization of the optional Willow Inference Server for speech-to-text functionality. The system is completely open source, allowing for full transparency and customization.

Benefits

Willow offers significant advantages including superior speed and accuracy compared to commercial alternatives, complete privacy due to its open-source and self-hostable nature, significant cost savings with approximately $50 hardware cost, reliable performance with minimal failure rates, and unparalleled flexibility and customization options through open source availability and extensibility. It also provides low power consumption and ease of use with readily available and affordable hardware components. The platform's integration capabilities enable seamless interaction with popular smart home systems and other services.

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