Local meeting files. A clear account of what leaves your PC.

Three questions to ask any meeting app

First, where does it store the recording and notes? Second, where does it turn audio into a transcript? Third, where does it turn the transcript into a summary? Those can be three different places. A desktop app or a bot-free recording mode does not answer all three questions.

Ask the same questions about screenshots, calendar details and CRM context. A screenshot may contain information that nobody says aloud. A useful summary may combine the transcript with earlier client information. Check the whole path, not just the microphone setting.

Recordings and meeting files on disk

Oatmeal stores its meeting recordings, transcript, notes and library files on your computer. Screen capture is optional. When used, it can provide screen images for the notes and video for a replay. Screen video normally has a 14-day retention period unless you pin the meeting; do not assume every recording format is kept forever.

Local files let you choose your own backup and retention process. They also put that responsibility on you. Check where the app stores a meeting before you rely on it, and make sure a backup can actually restore those files. Local storage does not make your computer immune to loss or unauthorized access.

Transcription: local engine or optional Deepgram

Oatmeal has a local Whisper transcription path. Setup downloads the engine and model, about 750 MB in total. Wait for setup to finish and check the recording before relying on local transcription for a meeting.

If you supply a Deepgram key, audio can be sent to Deepgram. The system-audio channel can use that service to separate remote speakers. When the local engine is unavailable or unsuitable for the selected language, the cloud path can also process microphone audio. A local-first description should not be read as a promise that microphone audio never leaves the device.

If you need to avoid sending audio to Deepgram, do not configure that service. Check the supported local model and language, and complete the engine download first. That still does not make the AI-notes stage offline.

AI notes use Anthropic on your key

To generate AI notes, Oatmeal sends the transcript to Anthropic using the API key you provide. The notes request can also include selected screen images when capture is enabled and relevant contact context when you connect GoHighLevel. The notes are then saved locally.

On Point Tech's public download page describes these provider calls separately from its licensing service. Provider usage is billed on your API account. If your requirement is that no meeting content reach any cloud AI service, Oatmeal's standard AI-notes workflow does not meet that requirement. Choose a fully local summarization route that your organization has reviewed.

CRM and license connections have different jobs

The optional GoHighLevel connection reads contact context and can write action items as tasks, plus a brief meeting-log note. Review which account and contact are connected before a client meeting. A shared CRM is a different storage destination from your own local meeting folder.

License activation sends the license key and a computer identifier to the licensing service. Updates and the first-run engine download also need network access. Those service calls should not be confused with the separate transcript and audio calls to AI providers.

Check the setup with a harmless test recording

This guide describes Oatmeal's documented workflow and current implementation. It is not an independent security audit or a compliance certification. If you are comparing vendors, ask each one the same storage, transcription and summarization questions.

• Use sample information and get permission from anyone taking part.
• Decide whether screen capture is needed. Close unrelated applications and sensitive documents before capturing a display.
• Confirm whether a Deepgram key is configured and which transcription language and model are selected.
• Record a short call, then find the audio, transcript and notes on disk. Check the screen-video retention setting if replay matters to you.
• Review the notes and any CRM tasks before you use the workflow for a client meeting. Follow the recording and data-handling rules that apply to your organization.

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