Block open-sources Berd, a desktop workspace for AI agents across models and tools
Block has open-sourced Berd, a desktop application it originally built for internal use as a unified workspace for AI agents, models, files, and projects. The app is available on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license with downloadable builds for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and Block says it stores conversation history locally while working directly with local files, repositories, and tools.
Why it matters: Berd reflects growing demand for AI tooling that is model-agnostic, desktop-native, and better suited to privacy-sensitive local workflows than browser-based chat products. An Apache 2.0 release from a large technology company could help expand the open ecosystem for agent workspaces and pressure other vendors to support more interoperable, locally controlled AI environments.
Sources
- Block’s new Apache 2.0 agent workspace Berd works across models and harnesses, stores conversation history locally VentureBeat · August 18, 2026
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