https://github.com/kys0ff/backtalk
Backtalk is a streamlined note-taking tool that transforms your internal monologue into a searchable, chronological dialogue by letting you message yourself through a familiar chat interface.
https://github.com/kys0ff/backtalk
android chat-app compose kotlin notes-app open-source
Last synced: 24 days ago
JSON representation
Backtalk is a streamlined note-taking tool that transforms your internal monologue into a searchable, chronological dialogue by letting you message yourself through a familiar chat interface.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/kys0ff/backtalk
- Owner: kys0ff
- License: mit
- Created: 2026-01-03T09:42:39.000Z (6 months ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2026-06-09T12:32:34.000Z (29 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-06-09T13:19:01.011Z (29 days ago)
- Topics: android, chat-app, compose, kotlin, notes-app, open-source
- Language: Kotlin
- Homepage:
- Size: 2.84 MB
- Stars: 49
- Watchers: 2
- Forks: 5
- Open Issues: 2
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Changelog: CHANGELOG.md
- License: LICENSE
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---
#
Backtalk 🗨️
**Backtalk** is a private, self-chat notes app built with **Kotlin** and **Jetpack Compose**. It
provides a familiar chat interface to talk to yourself—reply, reflect, and organize your
thoughts—with a strong focus on privacy and simplicity.
> *Backtalk — because sometimes the most important conversation is the one where you talk back to
yourself.*
---
## Philosophy
Backtalk is guided by a strict set of architectural principles to ensure it remains a fast, private, and focused sanctuary for raw thought.
- **The Immutable Timeline**: A single, continuous stream. No folders, no fragments.
- **Lightweight & Fast**: Optimized for near-zero capture latency.
- **Local-First Privacy**: Your data belongs to your hardware, period.
Read the full [Backtalk Philosophy](./PHILOSOPHY.md) to learn more about why we build the way we do.
---
## Screenshots
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---
## Features
- **Media Support**: Attach images from your gallery or capture them directly with the built-in camera.
- **Message Pinning**: Keep important notes at the top for easy access.
- **Hashtags & Reminders**: Organize your thoughts with tags and never forget a note with reminders.
- **Self-Chat Interface**: Write messages and reply to yourself in a familiar layout.
- **Threaded Conversations**: Easily organize replies to specific thoughts.
- **Biometric Security**: Protect your notes with fingerprint or face unlock.
- **Secure Backups**: Periodic automatic backups with encryption support.
- **Material 3 Design**: Modern, clean UI that adapts to your device.
- **Offline-First**: All data stays on your device, no internet required.
- **Intuitive Gestures**: Swipe to edit or reply to messages for a seamless flow.
## Recent Changes (v0.3.5)
- **External Sharing**: Share images and text from other apps directly into your self-chats with previews.
- **Rich Media & Links**: GIF support, detailed link previews with metadata, and a new shared media browser.
- **Spanish Support**: Full Spanish localization is now available, along with refined Arabic translations.
- **UX & Voice**: Improved voice recording UI with RTL dragging support, RTL waveforms, and a modernized input bar.
- **Maintenance**: Troubleshooting tools like "Clear cache", background update checks, and improved message scheduling.
See the full [CHANGELOG.md](./CHANGELOG.md) for more details.
---
## Tech Stack
- **UI Framework**: [Jetpack Compose](https://developer.android.com/jetpack/compose) with Material3.
- **Navigation**: [Voyager](https://voyager.adriel.cafe/) for multiplatform-friendly navigation.
- **Dependency Injection**: [Koin](https://insert-koin.io/) for lightweight DI.
- **Database**: [Room](https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage/room) for local
persistence.
- **Background Work**: [WorkManager](https://developer.android.com/topic/libraries/architecture/workmanager) for
periodic backups.
- **Architecture**: Clean MVVM architecture.
---
## Getting Started
### Download
You can also find the latest APKs on the [Releases](../../releases/latest) page.
### Building from Source
1. **Clone the repository**:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/kys0ff/Backtalk.git
cd Backtalk
```
2. **Open in Android Studio**: Use Android Studio Ladybug or newer for the best experience.
3. **Run**: Sync Gradle and deploy to your device or emulator.
---
## Privacy & Security
Backtalk is built on the principle of **Privacy by Design**:
- **Local Only**: Your notes never leave your device unless you manually export/sync them.
- **No Analytics**: We don't track you. No telemetry, no logs, no trackers.
- **Encryption**: Manual and automatic exports can be encrypted for extra security.
---
## Contributing
Contributions are welcome! If you'd like to improve Backtalk:
1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature`).
3. Commit your changes (`git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature'`).
4. Push to the branch (`git push origin feature/amazing-feature`).
5. Open a Pull Request.
---
## Support Development
If you find Backtalk useful, consider supporting its development
via [Liberapay](https://liberapay.com/kys0ff). Every contribution helps keep the project alive and
open source!
## License
Backtalk is licensed under the **MIT License**. See the [LICENSE](./LICENSE) file for more
information.
Copyright © 2026 **kys0ff**