OpenRouter gives one account a single place to fund and monitor AI model use. Hot Take uses its OpenRouter connection to call Gemini Flash, the same model family it uses through Google directly. OpenRouter is therefore not a cheaper-model option here. It is useful if you already use OpenRouter or want a prepaid balance and a separate dollar limit for the app.
Create a dedicated Hot Take key
Open the OpenRouter Keys page (opens in a new tab), sign in, and choose Create key. Name it “Hot Take” so its usage is easy to recognize later. Set a small credit limit if the form offers one, create the key, and copy the value beginning with sk-or-. The full secret is shown when it is created; keep it somewhere private only long enough to paste it into the app.
Set a spending limit before using it
A key can have an optional spending limit in US dollars and can reset daily, weekly, monthly, or not at all. A low daily or monthly limit is the safest starting point: once that key reaches its cap, further requests fail instead of continuing to spend. OpenRouter documents the fields in its API key reference (opens in a new tab). You can update or replace the key later if your needs change.
OpenRouter uses prepaid credits for model inference and deducts each request from that balance. It displays model prices and complete usage history, but it also charges a fee when you purchase credits. That top-up commission means OpenRouter can cost more overall than calling Gemini directly, even when the displayed model inference price is the same. Check the current Gemini Flash listing and OpenRouter billing FAQ (opens in a new tab) before adding funds because prices and fees can change.
Paste it into Hot Take
On Hot Take’s AI Connection screen, select OpenRouter, paste the new key, and tap Done. The key is stored in this iPhone’s Keychain. Hot Take displays only its last four characters after saving and lets you remove or replace it from the same screen.
Monitor cost and privacy
Use OpenRouter’s Activity page to see request times, token use, models, and costs. A new photo generally makes two requests; remixes make one. Local three-day image-analysis caching can avoid repeating the first request when you reuse a photo.
OpenRouter says prompt and response logging is off by default, while request metadata is retained. The downstream model provider can have separate retention or training terms. Review OpenRouter privacy controls (opens in a new tab) before sending sensitive images and keep any logging or data-sharing setting aligned with what you want.
Hot Take does not see your OpenRouter balance, key, photos, prompts, or captions. If generation fails, check the key’s remaining limit and account balance in OpenRouter first.
FAQ
Can OpenRouter spend more than the API key limit?
The key limit is designed as a spending cap for that key. Give Hot Take its own key, set a low limit, and also keep only the prepaid balance you are comfortable using. Consult OpenRouter’s current dashboard and terms for how limits are enforced.
Does Hot Take work with OpenRouter free models?
Hot Take currently requests a specific Gemini Flash model rather than OpenRouter’s free-model router. You should expect it to use the pricing and availability shown for that Gemini model in your OpenRouter account.
Is OpenRouter cheaper than using Gemini directly?
Not for Hot Take. Both connections use Gemini Flash, and OpenRouter charges a fee when credits are purchased. Choose OpenRouter for its consolidated balance, activity view, or key-level spending cap, not on the assumption that the model is cheaper.
Can I switch back to Gemini later?
Yes. Save keys for either provider and change the selected provider from AI Connection. The next request uses the provider selected when you tap Done.
