Privacy Policy for AlwaysHear

Effective date: August 5, 2026
Developer: Ember Studio
Contact: emberstudio.support@gmail.com

AlwaysHear (“the App”) is a free AI companion application. This Privacy Policy explains what information is handled when you use the App, how it is used, and the choices you have. By using AlwaysHear, you agree to this Policy.

1. Who we are

AlwaysHear is developed by Ember Studio. We do not require you to create an account and we do not operate a user login system for this App.

2. Information the App handles

Depending on how you use AlwaysHear, the following information may be processed:

• Conversation content — text messages you type or dictate, and AI replies shown in the App.
• Images — photos you choose to take or upload to send as part of a conversation.
• API keys — keys you optionally enter for third-party AI providers (for example Groq, Google Gemini, or OpenRouter) so the App can call those services on your behalf.
• Settings — preferences such as language, voice output on/off, speech rate, and AI display name.
• On-device voice data — when you use voice input, audio may be processed for speech-to-text (on device and/or via a provider you configure, such as Groq Whisper).

3. Where information is stored

• On your device: Chat history, images attached to saved messages, pending photos, API keys, and settings are stored locally on your device (for example using on-device storage such as local app storage).
• Not on Ember Studio servers: We do not run a AlwaysHear account backend that receives or stores your chats, photos, or API keys. We do not sell your personal data.

4. Third-party AI services

To generate replies (and, if you enable related features, to transcribe speech or analyze images), the App sends the necessary content to the AI provider(s) for which you have entered API keys. Those providers process data under their own privacy policies and terms. Examples may include:

• Groq
• Google Gemini / Google AI
• OpenRouter (and models routed through OpenRouter)

You choose which keys to provide. If you do not add any keys, network features that depend on those services will not work. Please review the privacy policy of each provider you use.

5. How information is used

Information is used only to:

• Display and continue your conversations inside the App;
• Send prompts, messages, and optional images to the AI services you configure;
• Provide optional text-to-speech playback of replies;
• Remember your settings and API keys on the device.

We do not use your chat content for advertising.

6. Permissions

The App may request device permissions such as:

• Microphone — for voice input;
• Camera / photos — for taking or selecting images to send in a chat.

You can deny or revoke these permissions in system settings; related features will then be unavailable.

7. Children

AlwaysHear is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

8. Data retention and deletion

• You can delete individual chats or messages inside the App.
• You can clear API keys in Settings.
• Uninstalling the App removes locally stored App data from your device (subject to your operating system’s behavior).
• Data already sent to a third-party AI provider is subject to that provider’s retention practices.

9. Security

API requests to third-party services are made over encrypted HTTPS connections. API keys are stored on your device; you are responsible for keeping your device secure and for protecting your keys. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

10. International processing

Third-party AI providers may process data in data centers located in different countries. By using those services through the App, you understand that your prompts and related content may be transferred to those locations.

11. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Effective date” at the top will be revised when changes are posted. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated Policy.

12. Contact

For privacy questions about AlwaysHear, contact Ember Studio at emberstudio.support@gmail.com.

This policy applies to the AlwaysHear mobile application published by Ember Studio on Google Play.