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AI Goes Private: Underdog Runs on Your Device
7 Oct
Summary
- Underdog AI assistant runs entirely on user devices, safeguarding data.
- It operates on a unique model, taking a small fee from transactions.
- The AI aims to provide capable assistance without compromising user privacy.
Sigil Wen, a Thiel Fellow and former resident of a Silicon Valley AI hacker house, has launched Underdog, an invite-only AI assistant designed for maximum privacy. This innovative tool operates entirely on-device, meaning user data stays on their personal computers, with mobile versions planned. Wen developed a specialized inference engine, Husky, to ensure the AI runs efficiently without excessive data transfer.
Underdog's business model diverges significantly from its competitors. Instead of relying on data collection or subscriptions, it plans to take a small percentage of payment transactions facilitated through its service, akin to fintech interchange fees. This approach aligns the AI's interests with the user's, mirroring the privacy offered by banks and credit card companies.
Wen asserts that Underdog's smaller, fine-tuned models are comparable in capability to leading cloud-based AI assistants from six months ago. The assistant is designed to handle common tasks such as research and homework help, proving that potent AI functionality does not require compromising user privacy. Wen stated his motivation was to build a product he would be proud for his children to use.
