Start here

Hello, Kantharos.

Install the app, connect Hermes, and meet your bots.

1. Install the Mac app

Download Kantharos for Apple silicon Mac. Open the DMG, drag Kantharos into Applications, and open it.

2. Choose your Hermes connection

Open Settings → Gateways. Use the connection that matches where your Hermes agents run.

Hermes Cloud — managed by Nous Research

Create a Nous Research account or sign in. The Portal has a $0 Free plan for free models. Cloud hosting uses your credit balance for daily compute and storage; model and tool usage are separate.

In Kantharos, choose Hermes Cloud, sign in to Nous Research, and select your running instance. Your bots appear in the sidebar.

Remote gateway — your own Hermes computer

For our private personal gateway setup, install Tailscale on the Hermes computer and on the device running Kantharos. Connect both to the same tailnet. Use Tailscale Serve with HTTPS and MagicDNS for the Hermes dashboard.

In Gateways, add a Remote gateway, give it a name, and enter its canonical HTTPS address, such as https://your-hermes.your-tailnet.ts.net. Use the sign-in method offered by your gateway: Nous Research or its configured username and password. Keep Tailscale connected while you use it.

Tailscale is for this private remote path. Managed Hermes Cloud uses its own connection.

Local gateway — preparing your computer

Desktop Local setup uses Hermes installed on the same computer. Start with the official Hermes installation guide and configure your model provider. The app’s Local connection is being prepared for a coming release; use Cloud or a Remote gateway with the current Mac download.

3. Make yourself at home

Choose a bot to continue its conversation. Give it a friendly name in its settings, choose from your configured models, and keep favorites close. Use search to find the bot you need.

Where we’re going

Android and iOS are being built around Cloud and Gateway connections, so your phone can reach agents running elsewhere. See what’s next.

Need a hand? Say hello with your app version and a short description of what you’re seeing.