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SEPIA
What it is
SEPIA is an open-source framework and cross-platform app for building a private, customizable digital voice assistant. Its self-hosted server runs core functions such as the database, user-account management, natural-language understanding, and chat. People can create commands in the app, build voice-controlled services with the Java SDK, or replace framework modules. The assistant accepts spoken or typed requests and can ask follow-up questions when a service needs more information. Documented services include news, radio, timers, alarms, reminders, to-do and shopping lists, smart home, navigation, weather, Wikipedia, and web search. Speech recognition can use native platform APIs or a custom open-source STT server; text-to-speech can use native APIs or compatible server tools. The documentation names openHAB as an integration, and SEPIA-Home v2.7.0 release notes add Home Assistant support. Client use is described for desktop browsers, Android, and iOS; iOS instructions use Safari and adding the app as a PWA. Server installation guidance covers Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. SEPIA says users control their data in a self-hosted environment. Its documentation says it does not currently host public servers, so users need access to their own server or one hosted by a friend or company.
For and against
For
- Open-source framework with customizable modules
- Accepts spoken and typed requests
- Offers documented services including reminders and smart home
- Server installation guidance covers Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi
Against
- Requires access to a self-hosted server
- SEPIA does not currently host public servers
- iOS setup uses Safari and PWA installation
The verdict
SEPIA offers broad customization and a range of documented services, with the server under the user's control. It requires access to a server, so it is not a hosted public assistant service.
Who it suits
SEPIA suits people who want to build or customize a voice assistant and manage its server themselves. It may also fit users seeking an assistant across desktop, Android, and iOS with smart-home and other listed services.
On the record
- Client platforms
- The client documentation describes browser use on desktop, Android, and iOS; on iOS it instructs users to open the app in Safari and add it as a PWA.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can create commands in the app, build voice-controlled services with the Java SDK, or replace framework modules.sepia-framework.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Dialog
- SEPIA handles spoken or typed natural-language requests and can ask follow-up questions when a service needs more information.sepia-framework.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Hosting limit
- The documentation says SEPIA is not currently hosting public servers, so users need access to their own server or one hosted by a friend or company.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- How it works
- Its self-hosted server runs core modules including the database, user-account management, natural-language understanding, and chat.sepia-framework.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The documentation names openHAB as an example smart-home integration, and the SEPIA-Home v2.7.0 release notes state that it adds Home Assistant support.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Mesh Nodes
- SEPIA Mesh Nodes can connect to the assistant and execute programs on their device; users can create voice commands or upload programs through the Control HUB.sepia-framework.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The homepage says users control their data in a self-hosted environment and describes the server as the backbone of the framework.sepia-framework.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- SEPIA is an open-source framework and cross-platform app for building a private, customizable digital voice assistant.sepia-framework.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security setup
- The installation documentation describes self-signed SSL for private networks and Let's Encrypt SSL for servers reachable from outside the network.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Server platforms
- The installation documentation describes SEPIA-Home for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and provides Raspberry Pi installation instructions.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Smart services
- The documentation lists services including news, radio, timers, alarms, reminders, to-do and shopping lists, smart home, navigation, weather, Wikipedia, and web search.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Speech
- The client supports speech recognition through native platform APIs or a custom open-source STT server, and text-to-speech through native APIs or compatible server tools.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The documentation directs users with questions or bug reports to GitHub issues or discussions.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
