When you work in security and privacy, it's easy to come across as a doomer. I'm optimistic about the future of people empowered with AI tools that enable them to build the world they want to see.

Everyone is gaining everyone else's skillset, which means better builders!

This is for gen alpha

The new Maple app we're building can help you use technology less and experience the world around you more. How does that sound to you?

I traveled with it over the last two weeks, and it quickly became my interface for a multitude of tasks. Looking up things, research around town, capturing thoughts, public transportation, real-time sports scores, language translation, sightseeing, reminding me of scheduled items, small therapy sessions, keeping track of recommendations, to-do list items, figuring out restaurant menu items, journaling, understanding local traditions, and even finding a bathroom from a photo I took ("I'm right here, where's the nearest public toilet?!").

There were at least 10 apps it replaced. For the ones it didn't, I hit it first before going to the other app. Equipping me with personalized research meant I was fast at using the other app. Got in, got out.

Another outcome is that I had fewer moments of getting distracted by the algorithms each app uses to keep you engaged with them.

And yes, you can interpret this post as, "Use technology less by using our app more." 😅 I think the goal should be decreasing wasted time in apps overall. If one app reduces how much time you spend on your phone, that seems like a benefit. Just me?

Saturday morning vibes in Bedford

It’s event day in Bedford 🤘

Delete a couple of apps from your phone today. I bet it will make you feel a little better.