Honestly, if I felt like starting a company (and I REALLY don't) it's the perfect time to create a local device that acts as my both my online cloud and assistant. Maybe it's a companion device to Apple/Google Home/Home Assistant. It seems so blindingly obvious I can't believe there aren't 10 companies doing it now.
It will start off a bit geeky andlikely won't be a consumer device initially. Too many barriers to make it interoperate easily.
But things are so moving in that direction.
@scottjenson I have limits on what I can discuss, but a company I worked for with extensive hardware staff experience tried to push for something very much like what you describe. Not a single VC cared, hardware investments are entirely dead right now. SAAS, AI, or nothing.
You’d need the cash to do it yourself or a private investor that believes in your vision.
@ryne Not surprised. I realize the "kit model" is likely a no go for consumers. But to use it a stepping stone might be worth it. Remember the first Apple was a kit!
I feel that cost of both hardware and software has fallen that putting something like this together SHOULDN'T require millions to get off the ground.
Biggest issue is having the software actually work well. That would require some work...
@ryne The same thing was said about Linux...
I'm not trying to sealion you. Your point is valid. You just sound resigned. We're not going to find our way out of this unless we at least try.
@scottjenson @ryne I think it needs close platform integration. I would be more than happy, when Apple would sell me a Mac mini with decent storage, running some kind of personalised AI.
The Mac mini “knows” everything about me. I would be able to ask my watch, phone, HomePod, TV anything about my personal documents, calendar, mails, etc. and get personal answers by the Mac mini. No cloud, no privacy issues, no monthly fees.
Scott Jenson
Ryne Hager
Tobias Wolf