AI is exploding, but using it still feels messy: every new chatbot lives in its own tab, none of them share context, and pasting private files into the cloud never feels great.
We’re building Proxly because we want something simpler—a place where you can browse, install, and run AI apps right on your own laptop or phone, while keeping your data in your hands. Think “App Store,” but for local-first AI tools.
We’re still heads-down on the first build—designing the OS layer, permission prompts, and developer API—and we’d love your thoughts. What would make an AI store like this a must-have for you, either as a user or a builder? Drop your feedback in the comments.
bigyabai•9mo ago
> What would make an AI store like this a must-have for you
If it is another lock-in ploy like Apple and Google's "store" services, then nothing. I guess having the entire thing Open Source would be a nice gesture, but even then I probably wouldn't switch away from my current stack.
samsilva•9mo ago
That's a totally fair point, and we understand the skepticism towards 'stores' based on past experiences. Avoiding that kind of lock-in is actually central to our design.
Our core approach is different:
1- Your data stays local on your device, encrypted, and under your control. Apps only access the specific data you explicitly permit, unlike cloud-centric models.
2- We aim for platform neutrality, supporting various AI models (including local open-source ones), not forcing you into a specific cloud or AI provider's ecosystem.
3- Regarding open source, you're right it's important for trust. We're actively exploring open-sourcing key components, balancing transparency with the need to maintain a secure and sustainable platform.
4- For developers, the goal is to simplify building powerful AI apps with shared tools and fairer distribution/monetization terms than incumbents.
Ultimately, we're trying to build a foundation that empowers users and developers by prioritizing privacy and control, not create another walled garden. Thanks for sharing your feedback, love it.
samsilva•9mo ago
We’re building Proxly because we want something simpler—a place where you can browse, install, and run AI apps right on your own laptop or phone, while keeping your data in your hands. Think “App Store,” but for local-first AI tools.
We’re still heads-down on the first build—designing the OS layer, permission prompts, and developer API—and we’d love your thoughts. What would make an AI store like this a must-have for you, either as a user or a builder? Drop your feedback in the comments.
bigyabai•9mo ago
If it is another lock-in ploy like Apple and Google's "store" services, then nothing. I guess having the entire thing Open Source would be a nice gesture, but even then I probably wouldn't switch away from my current stack.
samsilva•9mo ago
1- Your data stays local on your device, encrypted, and under your control. Apps only access the specific data you explicitly permit, unlike cloud-centric models.
2- We aim for platform neutrality, supporting various AI models (including local open-source ones), not forcing you into a specific cloud or AI provider's ecosystem.
3- Regarding open source, you're right it's important for trust. We're actively exploring open-sourcing key components, balancing transparency with the need to maintain a secure and sustainable platform.
4- For developers, the goal is to simplify building powerful AI apps with shared tools and fairer distribution/monetization terms than incumbents.
Ultimately, we're trying to build a foundation that empowers users and developers by prioritizing privacy and control, not create another walled garden. Thanks for sharing your feedback, love it.