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Jolla founders take the wraps off an AI assistant to power up their push for privacy-friendly GenAI | TechCrunch

Mar 03, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Jolla, previously known for mobile hardware, has transitioned into a privacy-focused AI business through its sister startup, Venho.ai. They have unveiled an AI assistant named Mindy, which offers a "fully private" alternative to traditional cloud-based AI services. Mindy is designed to integrate with various apps like email, calendar, and social media to perform tasks such as summarizing emails, booking meetings, and filtering social media feeds. The AI assistant can also create new AI agents on demand, provided the necessary API keys are available. Jolla plans to launch an AI agent marketplace soon and is also developing proprietary AI hardware to support this vision of personalized AI without compromising privacy. The AI assistant will be available as a subscription service hosted on a private cloud, with early bird pricing set at $10 per month.

The Mindy AI assistant is also available on the Mind2 Jolla AI device, allowing users to self-host the assistant and avoid third-party cloud services. The device supports smaller AI models for local processing, but more complex queries may require external cloud services, potentially exposing user data. Jolla's approach allows users to customize how the AI handles their data, enhancing privacy control. The Mind2 device, priced at €699, has been shipped to early adopters, and the company is receiving feedback through a Discord community. Jolla sees potential B2B opportunities, with telcos expressing interest in using the hardware as a private home hub solution, akin to a private Amazon Alexa.

Key takeaways:

  • Jolla has launched a privacy-focused AI assistant, Mindy, designed to integrate with apps like email, calendar, and social media, offering features such as summarizing emails and booking meetings.
  • The AI assistant is available as a subscription service hosted on a private cloud by Venho.ai, with plans for a marketplace of AI agents to expand its utility.
  • Jolla has developed proprietary AI hardware, the Mind2 device, allowing users to self-host the AI assistant, reducing reliance on third-party cloud services.
  • Early bird pricing for the AI assistant is set at $10 per month, with the Mind2 device priced at €699, and the team is exploring B2B opportunities, including a home hub solution for families.
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