‹ Back

How Backchannel works

Backchannel listens to a conversation you're in and quietly suggests a reply in your earbuds a second or two after the other person stops talking. You say it, change it, or ignore it — it's backup, not a script.

What you need

• Your phone (or laptop) with Chrome or Safari
• Bluetooth earbuds connected BEFORE you open the app

That's it. A clip-on wireless mic helps in loud places but isn't required.

Getting in

Enter your email, tap the link we send you, and you're in. No password — the link IS the login. Links die after 15 minutes, so use a fresh one.

First time: teach it your voice

The app interviews you for about ten minutes — how you talk, what you'd never say, how you handle a hard question. Answer like you'd actually talk, not like you're writing. The suggestions will sound like YOU because of this, so don't rush it. You can re-do it anytime with "Tune my voice" in settings.

Starting a session

• Earbuds connected first
• Tap START and allow the microphone
• Say a few words when it asks — that's how it learns which voice (or mic) is yours for this session
• Talk normal. When the other person stops, listen for your earbud.

The badge

• MIC ID ACTIVE — you're on a two-mic rig; it knows you by your mic. Best mode.
• VOICE ID ACTIVE — it's telling you apart by voice. Good mode.
• BASIC MODE — voice recognition couldn't connect; it hears everything and can't tell who's who. Still works, just dumber.

Modes

• Suggest what to say back — words you could say out loud
• Brief me — facts and heads-ups in your ear instead of scripted replies
• Hold button — you press while THEY talk. Cleanest results in a noisy room.

Keep it right

Tell people you're testing an earpiece assistant if they ask — this is backup for your own words, not a spy tool. Some states require everyone's consent before a conversation is recorded or processed; that's on you to respect where you live. Don't be weird with it.

When something's off

• No suggestions coming? Check the badge. BASIC MODE means the voice connection failed — reload the page.
• It's answering YOUR words? Recalibrate: stop, START again, and do the "say a few words" step with the other person silent.
• No sound in your ear? Earbuds must be connected before you open the app. Reconnect, reload.
• Says you're out of minutes? Free accounts get 15 minutes a month. More is coming.
• Screen has to stay on. Phone locks = mic dies. That's a phone rule, not ours.