Jolla, a Finnish startup known for its innovative approach to technology, has taken the wraps off its first AI-powered personal server, the Jolla Mind2. Unlike recent AI gadgets that have disappointed users with unfinished features and limited utility, Jolla is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing a functional and privacy-focused product.
This AI-in-a-box device houses a series of AI agents designed for various productivity tasks, such as managing emails, summarizing documents, and even keeping track of your professional network. The key selling point is its emphasis on privacy, ensuring that all user data remains securely on the device and doesn’t get sent to the cloud for data mining.
While the early demonstrations showcased promising features, there were some noticeable latency issues, which the company aims to address before the official launch. Jolla plans to ship the first few hundred units to early adopters in Europe this fall, with global preorders opening in June.
The Jolla Mind2 comes with a hefty price tag of €699 and requires a monthly subscription starting at €9.99. However, it offers more RAM (16GB) and storage (1TB) than initially planned. For queries that the device’s AI model can’t handle, users can opt to send them to third-party large language models (LLMs), but with the caveat that their data will leave the secure environment of the device.
One of the unique features of the Jolla Mind2 is its “knowledge bases” feature, which allows users to connect to curated repositories of information. This extends the model’s ability to provide accurate and reliable information, addressing concerns about the fabrication of information by LLMs.
Jolla envisions a future where users can customize their digital experience, filtering out unwanted content and only seeing what they want. This human-agency-centric approach aims to give users back control over their online interactions.
While the company aims to build a community around Jolla Mind2, it also sees potential in licensing its AI model to other businesses, such as telcos, who are seeking to capitalize on the generative AI trend.
Overall, the Jolla Mind2 represents a bold step towards a more private and personalized AI experience. While it remains to be seen whether it will live up to its promise, it’s certainly an intriguing development in the world of AI devices.
