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release notes
What's new in Kaeru.
Kaeru is in active development. Here is what has shipped each release, in plain language — no changelog jargon, just what changed for you.
2026-07 · Week 1
The closed-beta build: built-in AI with no API key, a calmer Settings, and Japanese across the app.
New
- Built-in AI, no API key — chat, agents, and inline code suggestions run on Kaeru's own AI when you're signed in with Claude. Connect your own provider anytime.
- Build and Code layouts, per space — Build puts the conversation front and centre for making things by describing them; Code keeps the terminal in focus. Toggle in the top bar.
- Claude Sonnet 5 is now available, and the new default model.
- Voice input — a mic button lets you speak instead of type, transcribed on your device with local Whisper so nothing is sent out.
- Inline suggestions in the editor complete the rest of a line as you type.
- Review changes in place — unsaved edits sit in a bar above the chat, so you can keep or undo each file, or all at once.
- Clickable folder and branch in the terminal prompt — jump into a subfolder or switch branches without typing the command.
- Kaeru reads your existing CLAUDE.md project memory alongside KAERU.md, so Claude Code projects work with zero setup.
- An Update button appears in the top bar when a new version is ready, with a “What's new” note after updating.
- Find and replace in the open file — one match or all, with a single undo.
- Optional, anonymous usage stats — only that a feature was used, never your code, files, or prompts. EU-hosted, no accounts, off any time.
Improved
- Settings, redesigned — a grouped sidebar (Workspace / AI / System) instead of a nine-tab strip, in plain language and fully translated.
- Settings, Models is now Settings, AI — choose whether Kaeru's own AI or Claude answers you.
- Tool approval cards speak plainly — “Kaeru wants to edit a file”, with Allow / Don't allow / Always allow — instead of developer tool names.
- The code editor shows plain-language messages instead of raw errors, and calm cards for binary or oversized files.
- Deleting a file now moves it to the system Trash, so it can always be restored.
- Japanese now covers the tab bar, file explorer, project switcher, command palette, and notifications.
- “Check for changes” now asks GitHub before telling you whether anything is new.
- Accent colours are darker in light mode, so tinted labels are easy to read.
Fixed
- Opening a Markdown or previewed file no longer shows “No folder open”.
- Opening a file now reveals it in the explorer, expanding collapsed folders (Windows paths too).
- The web preview no longer leaves a white gap after the pane is resized.
- The AI panel now opens from every entry point — shortcut, command palette, Attach to Agent, and Ask AI about a selection.
- Faster startup — the AI stack no longer loads before the first window paints.
Want the newest build?
Kaeru is in closed beta and updates often. Join to get access and the updates as they land.
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