HiggsCLI: Local-First AI for Your Proton Mail Inbox

Overview

HiggsCLI is a privacy-focused, local-first AI command-line interface (CLI) designed to work exclusively with Proton Mail. It enables users to classify, search, summarize, and answer questions about their email entirely on their own hardware. By leveraging a local Large Language Model (LLM) and the Proton Mail Bridge, Higgs ensures that no email data leaves the user's machine, adhering to a strict "privacy by architecture" philosophy.

Benefits

Higgs offers several key advantages for users who prioritize data security and automation. First, it keeps all AI processing on the user's device, meaning no email data is sent to external servers for analysis. This approach eliminates the risk of data exfiltration and ensures complete confidentiality. Second, the software includes zero analytics, crash reporting, or update pings, which further protects user privacy. Third, credentials are stored securely in the operating system keyring and are encrypted using AES-256-GCM standards. Nothing sensitive ever enters the AI model's context window. Finally, Higgs provides a structured, typed interface that allows automated systems to interact with the CLI without ambiguity, making it ideal for building complex email workflows.

Use Cases

Higgs is designed for users who want to automate their email management with precision. It offers over 30 commands organized into functional categories. Users can search for emails using typed criteria, retrieve full messages as JSON, and group messages into conversation threads. The tool can also extract attachment bytes and list available mailboxes in real-time. For those interested in AI capabilities, Higgs can label messages using a local LLM, perform agentic Q&A over mailbox content, generate summaries, and create structured digests of recent mail. Users can also move messages to different folders, mark them as read, apply labels, unsubscribe from mailing lists, and compose new emails. Advanced users can chain commands via Unix pipes to create powerful workflows, such as archiving old emails automatically or moving non-mailing-list messages to a personal folder. The tool also supports exporting and importing mailboxes in various formats for backup and migration purposes.

Pricing

Higgs is open source and available under the Apache-2.0 license. This means users can download, install, and use the software for free without any licensing fees. The software is cosign-signed with Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for verification, ensuring transparency and security. There are no hidden costs or subscription models associated with using Higgs.

Vibes

While specific user reviews and testimonials are not available in the provided information, the public reception of HiggsCLI appears to be positive among privacy-conscious users and developers. The emphasis on local-first AI and strict privacy measures aligns with the growing demand for tools that prioritize data sovereignty. The open-source nature of the project and its commitment to zero telemetry suggest a strong community trust and a focus on ethical software development.

Additional Information

Higgs is an open-source project that is actively maintained and updated. It is designed to work with various local LLM servers, including Ollama with llama-server or llama.cpp, and OpenAI-compatible servers. The software is available for installation via Homebrew, Go, or from source, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The project's commitment to privacy and security is evident in its architecture and design, which prioritize user control and data protection. Higgs represents a significant step forward in the field of local-first AI, offering a powerful and secure solution for email management.