Show HN: Chickadee – Free, local, open-source text-to-speech for web pages (www.usechickadee.com)

Chickadee has launched as a free, local, open-source text-to-speech extension for web pages, running entirely in the browser without relying on server communication. Using the Kokoro speech model, which comprises 82 million parameters, it allows users to listen to written content while highlighting the spoken sentences directly on the page. This functionality is activated by a simple keyboard shortcut and features an initial voice download of about 310 MB, enabling offline use afterwards—ideal for situations like flights or remote areas. The significance of Chickadee lies in its commitment to user privacy and accessibility, eliminating the risks of data leakage associated with server-based options. As a WebGPU-dependent application, it harnesses advanced browser capabilities for efficient performance. Being open source and free forever, it encourages community participation and innovation while ensuring that users are not burdened with subscriptions or hidden fees. This tool not only empowers users with an ethical alternative for text-to-speech but also sets a precedent for the future of integrated AI applications in web environments.