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https://github.com/m1k1o/neko

A self hosted virtual browser that runs in docker and uses WebRTC.
https://github.com/m1k1o/neko

docker golang media-streaming remote-control remote-desktop self-hosted virtual-browser vue webrtc

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A self hosted virtual browser that runs in docker and uses WebRTC.

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# n.eko



Welcome to Neko, a self-hosted virtual browser that runs in Docker and uses WebRTC technology. Neko is a powerful tool that allows you to **run a fully-functional browser in a virtual environment**, giving you the ability to **access the internet securely and privately from anywhere**. With Neko, you can browse the web, **run applications**, and perform other tasks just as you would on a regular browser, all within a **secure and isolated environment**. Whether you are a developer looking to test web applications, a **privacy-conscious user seeking a secure browsing experience**, or simply someone who wants to take advantage of the **convenience and flexibility of a virtual browser**, Neko is the perfect solution.



In addition to its security and privacy features, Neko offers the **ability for multiple users to access it simultaneously**. This makes it an ideal solution for teams or organizations that need to share access to a browser, as well as for individuals who want to use **multiple devices to access the same virtual environment**. With Neko, you can **easily and securely share access to a browser with others**, without having to worry about maintaining separate configurations or settings. Whether you need to **collaborate on a project**, access shared resources, or simply want to **share access to a browser with friends or family**, Neko makes it easy to do so.



Neko is also a great tool for **hosting watch parties** and interactive presentations. With its virtual browser capabilities, Neko allows you to host watch parties and presentations that are **accessible from anywhere**, without the need for in-person gatherings. This makes it easy to **stay connected with friends and colleagues**, even when you are unable to meet in person. With Neko, you can easily host a watch party or give an **interactive presentation**, whether it's for leisure or work. Simply invite your guests to join the virtual environment, and you can share the screen and **interact with them in real-time**.



## About



This app uses WebRTC to stream a desktop inside of a docker container, original author made this because [rabb.it](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabb.it) went under and his internet could not handle streaming and discord kept crashing when his friend attempted to. He just wanted to watch anime with his friends ლ(ಠ益ಠლ) so he started digging throughout the internet and found a few *kinda* clones, but none of them had the virtual browser, then he found [Turtus](https://github.com/Khauri/Turtus) and he was able to figure out the rest.



Then I found [this](https://github.com/nurdism/neko) project and started to dig into it. I really liked the idea of having collaborative browser browsing together with multiple people, so I created a fork. Initially, I wanted to merge my changes to the upstream repository, but the original author did not have time for this project anymore and it got eventually archived.



## Use-cases and comparison



Neko started as a virtual browser that is streamed using WebRTC to multiple users.

- It is **not only limited to a browser**; it can run anything that runs on linux (e.g. VLC). Browser only happens to be the most popular and widely used use-case.

- In fact, it is not limited to a single program either; you can install a full desktop environment (e.g. XFCE, KDE).

- Speaking of limits, it does not need to run in a container; you could install neko on your host, connect to your X server and control your whole VM.

- Theoretically it is not limited to only X server, anything that can be controlled and scraped periodically for images could be used instead.

  - Like implementing RDP or VNC protocol, where neko would only act as WebRTC relay server. This is currently only future.



Primary use case is connecting with multiple people, leveraging real time synchronization and interactivity:

- **Watch party** - watching video content together with multiple people and reacting to it (chat, emotes) - open source alternative to [giggl.app](https://giggl.app/) or [hyperbeam](https://watch.hyperbeam.com).

- **Interactive presentation** - not only screen sharing, but others can control the screen.

- **Collaborative tool** - brainstorming ideas, cobrowsing, code debugging together.

- **Support/Teaching** - interactively guiding people in controlled environment.

- **Embed anything** - embed virtual browser in your web app - open source alternative to [hyperbeam API](https://hyperbeam.com/).

  - open any third-party website or application, synchronize audio and video flawlessly among multiple participants.

  - request rooms using API with [neko-rooms](https://github.com/m1k1o/neko-rooms).



Other use cases that benefit from single-user:

- **Personal workspace** - streaming containerized apps and desktops to end-users - similar to [kasm](https://www.kasmweb.com/).

- **Persistent browser** - own browser with persistent cookies available anywhere - similar to [mightyapp](https://www.mightyapp.com/).

  - no state is left on the host browser after terminating the connection.

  - sensitive data like cookies are not transferred - only video is shared.

- **Throwaway browser** - a better solution for planning secret parties and buying birthday gifts off the internet.

  - use Tor Browser and [VPN](https://github.com/m1k1o/neko-vpn) for additional anonymity.

  - mitigates risk of OS fingerprinting and browser vulnerabilities by running in container.

- **Session broadcasting** - broadcast room content using RTMP (to e.g. twitch or youtube...).

- **Session recording** - broadcast RTMP can be saved to a file using e.g. [nginx-rtmp](https://www.nginx.com/products/nginx/modules/rtmp-media-streaming/)

  - have clean environment when recording tutorials.

  - no need to hide bookmarks or use incognito mode.

- **Jump host** - access your internal applications securely without the need for VPN.

- **Automated browser** - you can install [playwright](https://playwright.dev/) or [puppeteer](https://pptr.dev/) and automate tasks while being able to actively intercept them.



Compared to clientless remote desktop gateway (e.g. [Apache Guacamole](https://guacamole.apache.org/) or [websockify](https://github.com/novnc/websockify) with [noVNC](https://novnc.com/)), installed with remote desktop server along with desired program (e.g. [linuxserver/firefox](https://docs.linuxserver.io/images/docker-firefox)) provides neko additionally:

- **Smooth video** because it uses WebRTC and not images sent over WebSockets.

- **Built in audio** support, what is not part of Apache Guacamole or noVNC.

- **Multi-participant control**, what is not natively supported by Apache Guacamole or noVNC.



### Supported browsers





  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  




### Other programs





  

  

  

  



  ... others in m1k1o/neko-apps




### Features



  * Text Chat (With basic markdown support, discord flavor)

  * Admin users (Kick, Ban & Force Give/Release Controls, Lock room)

  * Clipboard synchronization (on [supported browsers](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Clipboard/readText))

  * Emote overlay

  * Ignore user (chat and emotes)

  * Persistent settings

  * Automatic Login with custom url args. (add `?usr=&pwd=` to the url.)

  * Broadcasting room content using RTMP (to e.g. twitch or youtube...)

  * Bidirectional file transfer (if enabled)






With `NEKO_FILE_TRANSFER_ENABLED=true`:








### Why n.eko?



I like cats 🐱 (`Neko` is the Japanese word for cat), I'm a weeb/nerd.



***But why the cat butt?*** Because cats are *assholes*, but you love them anyways.



## Multiple rooms



For n.eko room management software, visit [neko-rooms](https://github.com/m1k1o/neko-rooms).



It also offers zero-knowledge [installation script (with HTTPS and Traefik)](https://github.com/m1k1o/neko-rooms/#zero-knowledge-installation-with-https-and-traefik).



## Documentation



* [Getting Started](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/getting-started/)

  * [Quick Start](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/getting-started/quick-start)

  * [Examples](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/getting-started/examples)

  * [Reverse Proxy](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/getting-started/reverse-proxy)

  * [Configuration](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/getting-started/configuration)

  * [Troubleshooting](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/getting-started/troubleshooting)

* [Mobile Support](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/mobile-support)

* [Contributing](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/contributing)

  * [Non Goals](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/non-goals)

  * [Technologies](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/technologies)

* [Changelog](https://neko.m1k1o.net/#/changelog)



## How to contribute? How to build?



Navigate to [.docker](.docker) folder for further information.



## Support



If you want to support this project, you can do it [here](https://github.com/sponsors/m1k1o).