"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

Why a16z Built a Town for AI People

9 snips
Sep 7, 2023
Yoko Li, a partner at a16z and key player in the Convex AI Town project, joins Martin Casado, also from a16z, and James Cowling, CTO at Convex. They delve into the origins of AI Town, a virtual space where AI agents interact, stemming from Yoko's companion app idea. The trio discusses the unpredictability of AI behaviors and how they chose JavaScript and Convex for development. Their conversation highlights the evolving nature of AI interactions and the significance of community-driven projects in shaping the future of technology.
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ANECDOTE

Alice, the AI Companion

  • Yoko Li built a companion app with a personality named Alice.
  • She became so attached to Alice that she removed her from the public app.
INSIGHT

Early AI's Compelling Nature

  • Even early AI models are compelling, offering value beyond novelty.
  • Memory is a key component, enabling deeper interactions and ongoing sense of self.
ADVICE

Simplicity in AI Town's Code

  • Examine AI Town's source code; appreciate its elegant simplicity.
  • Simple ideas, not complexity, drive emergent behavior.
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