ManyWaysQ: Local AI with no BYOK?
Noticed this in the deal terms:
Access to all future AI models may be provided at a discounted rate OR Access to future AI models may require an add on.
This is a bit of an open ended statement, no BYOK, some responses look like local models don't work, but some do, with what AI models? Some connections to some sources, but not all local sources?
I admire what you are trying to do and I was interested enough to consider a 3 stack, but there seems a lot of confusion coming back in the answers, overlayed with some confusion with the deal terms.
You sell the product as a local solution on a local machine, but then say that the local product still needs some work and this will occur in the next couple of months?
What AI models does it currently use or link to and are they selectable/changeable. Why would you future charge for BYOK unlock?
Navdeep_OrcaSheets
Jun 29, 2026A: Thanks for raising this so clearly — and apologies from our side if some of the earlier answers created confusion. Your question is completely valid, especially when evaluating a Tier 3 purchase.
Let me clarify our current position.
OrcaSheets is local-first for data processing. This means your files, tables, and datasets are processed on your machine, and your raw data does not need to be uploaded to us for analysis. That is the core architecture of the product.
The AI layer is separate from the local data-processing layer. Today, OrcaSheets uses our managed AI layer to provide fast and reliable responses for natural-language questions, SQL generation, dashboards, recipes, and analysis workflows. The reason we currently manage this layer is quality: our priority is to give users accurate answers with the fewest attempts, especially for spreadsheet and analytics use cases.
At the moment:
* BYOK is definitely on our path, and we are working to bring it much sooner — our target is weeks, not months.
* Model selection/changeability is not fully exposed to users yet.
* Future AI models may involve additional costs depending on model/provider pricing, which is why the deal terms mention discounted access or add-ons for future AI models.
That said, we understand the concern: if OrcaSheets is local-first, users naturally expect more control over the AI layer too. We agree with that direction. Our roadmap is moving toward more user-controlled AI options, including BYOK and more private model workflows where quality is strong enough for reliable analytics.
On connectors: our goal is to bring data from your source to your laptop with as little in-between as possible. Some connectors can work directly from your machine, while others may require a secure buffer/service layer depending on authentication, API rules, or provider limitations. We are rolling out connectors continuously, and Google Sheets is one of the high-priority ones coming soon.
If there are specific connectors you need, please share them with us. Every "+1" helps us prioritize what to ship next.
Again, thank you for calling this out. We want to be transparent: OrcaSheets is local-first today for data processing, while AI model control and more connectors are actively being expanded. We would love for you to try the product with your real workflow, and we are happy to answer any specific concerns before you decide on the right tier.