Hark launches privacy-focused AI assistant with plans for future hardware

Hark, a startup founded by serial entrepreneur Brett Adcock, has launched Hark Pro, an AI personal assistant designed to enhance user experience while prioritizing privacy. The service is available for free, with a subscription option for heavy users. Hark’s mission is to create a user interface for AI rather than develop general-purpose AI or solve complex problems like curing cancer. The assistant uses a model trained specifically for computer tasks, enabling it to manage digital workflows and perform actions like booking flights or handling car registration renewals. Abidur Chowdhury, Hark’s design leader and former Apple staffer, emphasized the company’s focus on transparency, showcasing how the AI navigates the web in a visible window to build user trust. Unlike competitors, Hark does not aim to sell ads or collect user data, instead focusing on task-specific assistance. The company plans to release an AI-native device in 2027, though details remain undisclosed. Chowdhury criticized the ‘creep factor’ of wearable cameras, highlighting Hark’s commitment to innovation in computing.