IRIS

IRIS is an open-source AI assistant that uses Google Gemini Live as a conversational frontend and Hermes Agent as the backend to handle complex automation and long-running tasks. Users can speak naturally to Gemini via microphone, and when execution is needed, Gemini routes the request to Hermes while the conversation continues uninterrupted.

Key advantages: seamless integration of voice and execution, capable of coding tasks and local wake word implementation (e.g., “Hey IRIS”). The creator built it over a weekend using vibe-coding and released the code on GitHub for community feedback and contributions.

Drawbacks and risks: deployment requires technical skills to configure Gemini API and Hermes Agent. Testing with third-party tools like Fable 5 incurred high costs; relying on similar paid services may lead to significant operating expenses. The project is still in early stages with limited testing and a single contributor, so stability may vary.

IRIS suits developers, vibe-coding enthusiasts, and tech-savvy users who want voice-controlled task automation. It is not ideal for cost-sensitive users, non-technical individuals, or those seeking a ready-to-use commercial product.