That makes me wonder --> how do you currently deal with your smartphone, which often has wakeword detection enabled (like “Hey Google”)? Or when you're visiting friends who have an Alexa device at home. Would that already be a problem for you?

I’m genuinely curious where you draw the line. Because in practice, many of us are already surrounded by passive listening systems, even if we don’t actively use them ourselves.

Just to clarify, the “reminder” example was just one possible use case. The idea isn’t to capture everything or pretend to read thoughts, but to offer flexible support based on context you control.

Curious though: if there were a way for an AI to understand your thoughts, would that even be something you’d want? Or is the whole concept off-limits for you?

You're right, the trust is at zero. My entire mission agrees with your core premise: "If the data is on a server, someone will find a way to abuse it."

That's why my entire architecture is being designed differently, based on two principles:

- Fully Functional Offline: 3-letter agencies can't access data that isn't on a server in the first place. The core AI runs on-device. - Open Core: You're right to expect a "bait & switch." That's why the code that guarantees privacy (the OS, the data-pipeline) must be open-source, so the trust is verifiable.

My business model is not to sell ads or data. I'm trying to design a system where trust is verifiable through the architecture, not just promised.

I completely understand your concern, and I agree, the kind of scenario you describe would be morally unacceptable. I wouldn’t want to build or be responsible for anything that could enable it.

That said, I often think about how this tension applies to nearly every new technology. Most tools can be used for good or bad, and history shows that progress tends to happen either way. If we had refused to develop technologies simply because they could be misused, we might not have any at all.

I do believe it’s possible to build responsibly through transparency, local-first design, and strong legal safeguards. The EU’s data protection laws, for example, give me some hope that we’re not entirely defenseless.

Do you see this kind of outcome as something we’re tangibly heading toward, or more as a warning of what could happen if we’re not careful?

I imagine it helping me remember things or stick to my habits. For example, if I want to lose weight and have a weak moment, it could remind me—like when I order a burger.

It could also help me use my time better. If it knows what I’ve been doing lately, it might give me useful tips.

So overall, more like a coach or assistant for everyday life.

I wouldn’t trust a “god made by man” either ;) That’s why I’m building something small, local, and transparent—more like a tool than a deity. Curious what kind of system (if any) you would trust?

Could you give more specific reasons?

Could you give more specific reasons?

> A matchbox-sized general purpose computer and life log, infrared connections to peripherals as needed, with a mesh network to other jiminies and the internet-at-large. Jeff didn't use the term "AI", but that would.

Notwithstanding that most of the mobile OS’s are locked down more than some would prefer for a “general purpose computer” (but less than is likely for a porta-Grok), and that most devices are bigger than a matchbook to support UI that wouldn't be available in that form factor (though devices are available in matchbook size with more limited UI), and that it mostly uses RF like Bluetooth instead of IR for peripherals because IR works poorly in most circumstances, isn’t that what a smartphone is?

Really interesting link to "Jiminy", I hadn’t heard of that before. Also didn’t know Musk was planning something similar, but I think it’s more of a phone than a wearable?

That's a good point. Did you use it? If so, what did you use it for? Could you imagine that something like rewind but with camera could be useful?

So even if it were open source, that wouldn’t be a reason for you to trust it?

Just curious: what would have to change for you to even consider it? Is it more about the concept itself, or the way it's implemented?

Is there anything you’re thinking about where this might be useful for you?