Run local-first AI work surfaces with Rowboat instead of another cloud chat silo

Use Rowboat when you want an open-source desktop layer for AI work instead of scattering context across cloud chat tabs. The repository describes a local-first AI coworker with a work-memory graph and surfaces for email, notes, browser work, meetings, code mode, and project workspaces.

Practical workflow: connect only low-risk accounts first, let Rowboat index a small project or test workspace, then try code mode with Claude Code or Codex on a contained repo. If the graph helps the agent find prior decisions, meeting notes, or email context without manual copy-paste, it may be worth testing on more serious work.

Caveats: this is a powerful local productivity tool, so privacy depends on the integrations you enable, the models you connect, and where your indexed data is stored. Treat it as a staged evaluation: read the repo, verify license and install steps, test on non-sensitive data, and only then decide whether it belongs in your daily workflow.