Horizon Genesis: A Local-First Desktop AI Agent and Plugin-Based Workflow Platform

Horizon Genesis is a desktop AI Agent built on Electron, focusing on local-first design, user-controlled keys, and plugin-based workflows. It addresses the tradeoff between cloud services (data privacy risks) and limited local tools by offering enterprise-level features while keeping data processing local. Key capabilities include multi-role switching, no-code workflows, plugin system, computer usage control, and MCP protocol support.

Most AI Agents are either cloud-based (sensitive data handed to third parties) or simple local scripts (lacking enterprise features). Horizon Genesis emerges to bridge this gap, aiming for a balance between local data control and robust functionality.

Design Principles:

• Local-first: All data processing/model interactions stay on the user’s machine; no data sent to Horizon servers.
• Bring-your-own-keys: Users manage API keys for models like OpenAI/Anthropic, ensuring full control.
• Permission-gated: Plugins declare required permissions (e.g., file access, screen capture) for user approval.

Key Features:

• Multi-role switching (personas for different scenarios: code assistant, writing partner).
• No-code workflows: Visual editor for drag-and-drop automation.
• Plugin system: 3 tiers (built-in, demo, community) with permission checks.
• Computer use: Agent can view screens, execute clicks/inputs (user-authorized).
• MCP protocol support for extended capabilities.

Architecture: Electron-based (main process handles plugins/models; render process for UI). License: BUSL-1.1 (non-commercial use allowed; commercial use requires authorization, auto-converts to AGPL-3.0 later). Code Transparency: GitHub provides preview code for audit, but full app requires CI-generated build-info.json (prevents malicious clones).

• Build verification: Official builds include CI-generated info (tag, commit SHA, timestamp) for traceability.
• Permission isolation: Plugins must declare permissions; users control access to sensitive operations.
• Data isolation: API keys encrypted via OS safeStorage; no Horizon server中转 for model communications.
• Market isolation: Plugin market is independent, no runtime data flows through it.

Official Builds:

• Windows: NSIS x64 installer.
• macOS: Universal DMG (Intel/Apple Silicon; right-click to bypass unsigned prompts).
• Linux: AppImage or deb package.

Self-hosted Market: Configure custom market API via env vars or app settings (Settings → Marketplace) for enterprise/private use.

Use Cases:

• Personal: AI assistant for daily tasks/automation.
• Developers: Extensible platform via plugins.
• Enterprises: Data compliance (local processing) + custom integrations.

Future: Local-first AI Agents are a growing trend due to privacy concerns. Horizon Genesis exemplifies this with open code, fine-grained permissions, and flexible plugins.