FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Ask Steve is free to use with a free Gemini API Key, a free Mistral API Key, or using a local model on your own machine. The tradeoff that you make with those free plans is that they reserve the right to use your data for training purposes. If you don't want that, you can subscribe to our Premium plan, which allows you to connect to a paid model, an on-premise model, or any Webhook or API.
Can I change the keyboard shortcut for the Writing Helper?
Yes! The default shortcut is Command-Shift-K (Mac) and Control-Shift-K (Windows, ChromeOS). To change it, click the puzzle piece icon in the Chrome toolbar and then select "Manage Extensions". On the Extensions page click "Keyboard Shortcuts" in the left navigation menu. You can change the shortcut there.
How do I see what version of Ask Steve that I have installed?
Click the puzzle piece icon in the Chrome toolbar and then select "Manage Extensions". On that screen you can see all your installed extensions. Click on the "Details" button for Ask Steve and you will see the version number.
Logging in with my Google account isn't working?
When you press the Login with Google button, a new popup window will open that will enable you to login with Google. Make sure you have popups enabled in your browser and that the popup isn't hiding behind another window.
Will Ask Steve still work when my QuickStart requests run out?
No. You will need to put in a free Google Gemini or Mistral La Plateforme API key, or connect to a local model to continue using Ask Steve for free. Or subscribe to our Premium plan if you'd like to connect to a paid model, an on-premise model, or a non-model API.
What is an API Key?
An API Key is like a password for one piece of software to talk to another one. In this case, the API Key that you're getting from Google Gemini or Mistral enables Ask Steve to connect to Google Gemini or Mistral on your behalf.
Why do I need to put in an API Key?
If we ran your requests through our server, we would be charged for them and then we'd have to charge you. By using your own API Key, you get to use Ask Steve for free, and on our Premium plan have the freedom to connect to any model you want.
Is my usage being tracked?
No. There is no tracking in Ask Steve.
Permissions & Your Data
Permissions & Your Data
What browsers does it work in?
Ask Steve works to varying degrees in all Chromium-based browsers including Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, Arc and Opera.
Supported Browsers
Supported Browsers
Does it work on my phone?
No, it only works in desktop browsers.