Nxtscape: open source privacy-first AI smart browser

Nxtscape is an open source smart browser that emphasizes privacy protection and localized AI features. Its core design is based on user data security, allowing users to run local AI models with their own API keys or through Ollama, ensuring that browsing data is not uploaded to the cloud.With an interface similar to Google Chrome and support for Chrome extensions, Nxtscape is familiar and easy to use. Its AI agent feature automates routine tasks such as filling out forms or managing tabs, making it suitable for users seeking efficiency and privacy. The project is open-sourced on GitHub under the AGPL-3.0 license, with community-driven development that encourages users to participate in contributing.

Function List

• Privacy: Support for users to bring their own API keys or run local AI models via Ollama, data is not uploaded to the cloud.
• AI Agent Automation: Built-in AI agents automate repetitive tasks such as form filling and label management.
• Chrome Extension Compatibility: Supports all Google Chrome extensions, with the same interface as Chrome and no learning costs for operation.
• Open Source Community Drives: The code is publicly available on GitHub under the AGPL-3.0 license, and user contributions of features or feedback are welcome.
• MCP Store (under development): The future supports one-click installation of popular MCPs, which can be used directly in the browser address bar.
• AI ad blocking (in development): Built-in AI-driven ad blocking covers a wide range of scenarios to enhance the browsing experience.

Using Help

Installation process

Nxtscape is currently hosted on GitHub and needs to be installed via a source build. Below are the detailed steps:

1. Preparing the environment::
   • Make sure that your computer has Python 3.8+ installed, as Nxtscape is primarily developed using Python.
   • Install Git to clone the code base and run the command:

     git clone https://github.com/nxtscape/nxtscape.git
     

   • Go to the project catalog:

     cd nxtscape
     

2. Installation of dependencies::
   • Project dependencies are listed in therequirements.txtin the program, run the following command to install it:

     pip install -r requirements.txt
     

   • If you are using a local AI model, you need to install Ollama. visit the Ollama website to download it and configure it according to its guidelines.
3. Running Nxtscape::
   • Run the main program in the project directory:

     python main.py
     

   • The first run generates a configuration file, where you need to enter a custom API key (optional) or select a local model.
4. Configuring Chrome extensions::
   • Nxtscape supports Chrome extensions. Open your browser settings and go to the extension management page.
   • Drag and drop extension files from the Chrome Web Store, or load downloaded extension packages directly.

Function Operation

Privacy

Nxtscape's privacy features are a core feature. Users can choose not to use the cloud AI service and instead run local models through Ollama. The configuration steps are as follows:

• Open the Nxtscape Settings page and find the "AI Models" option.
• Select "Local Model" and enter Ollama's local address (default.):http://localhost:11434).
• Select a supported model such as LLaMA or Mistral. ollama will automatically download the model (need to ensure internet connection).
• If you want to use API key, go to "API Settings" and enter the key you got from OpenAI or other service providers. Data processing is localized, and browsing history is not uploaded.

AI Agent Automation

Nxtscape's AI agents simplify repetitive tasks. For example, auto-filling forms:

• Open a web page that needs to be filled out, such as a shopping or registration page.
• Click the "AI Proxy" button on your browser toolbar and select "AutoFill".
• AI will scan the page fields and automatically populate the saved personal information (e.g. address, email). First time users need to save frequently used information in the settings.
• After confirming, click "Submit" to complete the operation.

For label management, AI agents can organize multi-item labels:

• At the top of the browser, click on the "tab management" option.
• The AI will group tags based on the content of the page, for example, categorizing the "work" and "shopping" tags.
• Users can close irrelevant tabs or save them as sessions with a single click for easy restoration next time.

Chrome Extension Compatibility

Nxtscape's interface and kernel are identical to Chrome's, and extension use is seamless:

• Open the Chrome Web Store and search for the extension you need (e.g. ad blocking or password management).
• Click "Add to Nxtscape" and the extension will load automatically.
• Adjusting the settings on Nxtscape's extension page functions just like Chrome.

Community Contributions

Nxtscape encourages user participation in development. Users can submit questions or feature suggestions via GitHub:

• interviewsGitHub Issues pageThe
• Submit a new Issue describing a feature request or bug, anonymous submissions can be made via a link on the project homepage.
• Developers can directly Fork the code base and submit Pull Requests.

Upcoming Features

• MCP Store: Users can install MCPs (Modular Content Packages) such as automation scripts or customization tools with a single click and call them directly from the address bar.
• AI ad blocking: Block dynamic ads and embedded promotions through AI recognition of ad content, reducing manual configuration.

caveat

• Ensure that your computer is powerful enough to run local AI models (16GB RAM recommended).
• Check GitHub updates regularly for the latest features and fixes.
• Join Nxtscape's Discord community for live technical support and feature discussions.

application scenario

1. Daily browsing for privacy-sensitive users
   Nxtscape is suitable for users who focus on data security. Programmers, researchers, or other professionals who need to protect their browsing history can use a native AI model to prevent data breaches.The AI agent also automatically organizes research-related tabs to boost productivity.
2. Automated Task Processing
   E-commerce practitioners or administrators often need to fill out repetitive forms. nxtscape's AI agent can quickly complete order information entry or customer registration, saving time. the AI also learns user habits and optimizes the speed of form filling.
3. Developer Testing and Contributions
   Open source developers can use Nxtscape as a testbed to develop AI-driven browser features. The community-driven model allows developers to submit code directly to participate in the development of MCP stores or ad-blocking features.

QA

1. How is Nxtscape different from Chrome?
   Nxtscape is based on the Chrome interface but emphasizes privacy and local AI; Chrome relies on cloud services where data may be collected; Nxtscape runs local models, data is not uploaded, and supports AI automation tasks.
2. How do you ensure privacy and security?
   Nxtscape does not store user browsing data. Users can use local AI models or bring their own API keys and all processing is done locally. The code is open source and subject to community review.
3. Is programming experience required?
   Regular users can use it without programming. Developers can contribute code or customize features via GitHub, but installation and basic use requires only simple configuration.
4. What AI models are supported?
   LLaMA, Mistral and other models are supported through Ollama. Users need to download the models by themselves, Nxtscape provides a configuration interface to simplify the operation.