MIMIC 1.2.0: A local, privacy-first alternative to cloud AI companions (Ollama + VRM + Persistent Memory)

I wanted to share a major update to MIMIC, a project I’ve been building to move AI companions off the cloud and onto your desktop. If you’re tired of filters, subscription fees, or your favorite AI “forgetting” who you are, this is for you.

MIMIC is a local-first assistant that gives your LLMs a 3D body and a long-term memory. We just released v1.2.0, and it’s a huge leap in immersion.

🎥 Watch the new v1.2.0 demo: https://youtu.be/iltqKnsCTks

What makes MIMIC different from a standard chatbot?

• Fully Embodied Avatars: It uses .vrm files (like VRoid). Your characters aren’t just portraits; they have lip-syncing, eye-tracking, and dynamic emotional states that react to the conversation.
• Persistent Persona Memory: I’ve overhauled the memory system. Every persona you create has its own isolated local folder (~/MimicAI/Memories/). It automatically extracts key “memories” and saves full conversation logs to Markdown files so they actually remember you across sessions.
• Local Voice (KittenTTS): No more robotic browser voices. v1.2.0 integrates KittenTTS with 8 selectable voices and adjustable speeds. It even supports procedural vocalizations like sighs and giggles to make the interaction feel more human.
• Smart Router & Vision: It can “see” through your webcam or via file uploads. A new routing layer handles intent classification and automatically summarizes web searches (via SearXNG) to keep the “Brain” model fast and focused.
• 100% Local & Private: It runs via Ollama. No data leaves your machine, and there are no “safety” filters blocking your creative writing or roleplay.
• No More Subscriptions: I’ve officially removed the subscription model. The app is free to use locally, with a simple support button if you like the project.

If you have a VRoid model you’ve been wanting to “bring to life,” or you just want a desktop companion that actually lives on your hardware, I’d love for you to check out the repo.

GitHub (Setup & Releases): https://github.com/bmerriott/MIMIC-Multipurpose-Intelligent-Molecular-Information-Catalyst-

If you are interested I just ask for a star on GitHub!

Mods, if this is considered self-promotion feel free to remove. I wanted to share a local and private configurable way to have more control over your chat bots.