Show HN: Instant – Local AI search with a 95% hit rate (uses Perplexity models) (useinstantsearch.com)

A new local AI search tool named Instant has been launched, boasting an impressive 95% hit rate in retrieving documents based on user queries. Instant allows Mac users to search their files by recalling contextual information rather than exact titles, providing relevant highlights from notes, PDFs, and images. For instance, searching for a “birthday present idea” will bring up relevant notes, showcasing the software's capability to understand the semantics of content rather than relying solely on keywords. The installation is user-friendly; once folders are selected, users can quickly initiate searches with a simple key combination. The significance of Instant lies in its emphasis on privacy and local data processing. Unlike traditional search tools like Spotlight, which primarily rely on metadata, Instant utilizes Perplexity models to deliver contextually rich results while ensuring that no data leaves the user's device. This is particularly relevant for users concerned about their data being sent to remote servers, as Instant processes everything locally, maintaining user privacy and security. With a small disk space requirement of about 1 GB for its local search model, Instant presents a powerful yet private solution for managing and retrieving information on macOS devices.