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@ StarBuilder
2024-01-07 14:44:30"With every new tool, you have a choice to make. Do I want to recreate what I have with this new tool, or create something entirely new?"
This question lies at the heart of innovation, particularly in the rapidly evolving tech world.
The Nostr ecosystem stands at a crossroads faced by many emerging technologies. The initial inclination has been to use this powerful new tool to replicate existing social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, and Google. This approach has provided a proof of concept, demonstrating Nostr's capabilities. However, it has NOT significantly shifted users away from these entrenched giants. It's clear that simply recreating with new tools isn't enough to dislodge platforms that have developed extensive features, usability, and a robust moat around their services.
In the tech industry, a major platform shift occurs every 10-15 years. PC -> Web -> Mobile. With each platform shift, incumbents are challenged, new companies emerge, and new business models are created. With the advent of AI in the form of Large Language Models (LLMs), we are witnessing the beginning of the next platform shift in 2023. There has already been considerable chaos this year, and we can expect to see more.
Everyone is on the same assumption that things are going to change drastically in the next two to five years but does not have the same view of how it will change.
This provides us with a perfect opportunity to build something new with the capabilities of Bitcoin, Lightning and Nostr.
AI: A New Landscape with No Clear Leaders
The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a stark contrast to the established domains of social media and online platforms. In AI, there are no dominant incumbents or insurmountable barriers, commonly known as moats, that prevent newcomers from entering the market. This unique landscape offers a level playing field, where innovation and fresh ideas can flourish.
Take Google, for instance. Despite having an abundance of resources, top talent, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Google is not leading in AI. Their approach has been marked by creating demonstration videos that have faced scrutiny and skepticism, suggesting that even with their vast resources, they are still in the process of fully grasping and harnessing AI's potential.
Similarly, Microsoft's strategy has largely been characterized by its partnership with and reliance on OpenAI. While this indicates recognition of AI's importance, it also shows that Microsoft is still in pursuit of a distinct foothold in the AI arena, rather than leading it outright.
On the other hand, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is actively investing in a range of AI startups, signaling a race to discover and back the next big breakthrough in AI. This approach underscores the lack of clear leaders in the field, as AWS looks to external sources for innovation and advancement in AI technologies.
Meanwhile, Apple appears less active or visible in the AI race, which could be interpreted as either a strategic decision to focus on other areas or a potential oversight in recognizing AI's growing importance. This perceived inactivity could mean that they are missing out on early opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
In summary, the current state of AI is one of exploration and experimentation, with even the biggest players in the tech industry still searching for their path. This scenario is a stark contrast to industries like social media, where a few giants have long established their dominance.
For the Nostr ecosystem, this represents a significant opportunity to enter the field and make a substantial impact with innovative AI applications, unencumbered by the need to dislodge entrenched incumbents.
The Path Forward with AI
The future lies in embracing AI and dedicating resources to explore and innovate in this field. The past six months have seen a significant investment in understanding, researching, and developing AI-related projects within the Nostr ecosystem. This is not just about keeping up with current trends but about forging a new path in technology.
While replicating existing social media apps has provided valuable insights and showcased Nostr's capabilities, the real opportunity lies in venturing into the relatively uncharted territory of AI. Here, Nostr can leverage its unique strengths and ethos to create groundbreaking applications, setting the stage for a new era of technological innovation.
Every company will become an “AI First” company and build products and services around AI for their internal and external use. We got an unique opportunity to pave this way forward with the world we want to live in.
Over the past six months, I have fully immersed myself in the visionary task of developing AI applications on the Nostr platform. My journey has been marked by tangible achievements, notably through the successful demonstration of innovative projects like PlebAI and the Current Mobile App. These accomplishments serve as a testament to the practicality and potential of AI integration within the Nostr ecosystem.
What truly sets our endeavor apart is the robust and passionate community that stands with us. We are a collective of thinkers, dreamers, and doers, united by a shared vision and a willingness to support and uplift each other. It's this spirit of collaboration and mutual assistance that fuels our progress and innovation.
I am deeply honored to be an integral part of the inaugural Sovereign Engineering 1st cohort of developers. This position allows me not only to contribute to our current achievements but also to take the lead in steering us towards a future brimming with possibilities. Together, we are not just building applications; we are shaping the future of technology, driven by a commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of groundbreaking advancements in the realm of AI and beyond.
Let's Go...