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Tuesday, June 03, 2025

Online Dating + AI: Fixing Online Dating: Why Better Design Matters More Than Better AI

 

Fixing Online Dating: Why Better Design Matters More Than Better AI

Online dating is broken—not because we lack smart algorithms, but because the foundation has been flawed from the start.

Dating apps have prioritized engagement metrics over real-world outcomes. The revenue models reward addictive swiping, gamified attraction, and fantasy-driven illusions. Women often end up flooded with attention from the top 10% of men, creating an unrealistic marketplace of desire. Men, meanwhile, are stuck in message limbo—ghosted or endlessly chatting with no real dates in sight.

This hasn’t been dating. It’s been clickbait.

AI is no magic fix. A bad system amplified by AI is just a worse system. But if the foundation is healthy, AI can serve as a supportive layer—an ally, not a manipulator.

Here’s how it can work:

  • Message to Meet: The only goal of messaging should be to decide whether to meet. No endless chats. No performative small talk.

  • One Like at a Time: You should only be able to express interest in one person at a time. No swipe sprees. No shopping-cart dating. Intentionality matters.

  • AI as Support, Not Substitute: Use AI where it can truly help: as a therapist to process dating anxiety, a coach to improve confidence and social skills, or a relationship assistant to help you reflect after a date. These are roles AI can play with empathy and discretion.

  • From First Date to Second: AI can prompt helpful reflections. "How did that go?" "Were you heard?" "Were you listening?" But this only works if the app is designed to nudge real human connection, not just more app usage.

Still, let’s not forget: friends do this better. They know you. They can set you up, give honest feedback, and remind you who you are. If you don’t have a few close human connections yet, maybe that’s where the journey should begin.

Because what we need is not more AI-generated romance—but less loneliness. And for that, the solution starts with redesigning the system to be human-first, AI-assisted, and love-centered.


A New Vision for Dating Apps: Start With the Self

A truly transformative dating app won’t begin by asking who you want to date. It will start by asking: who are you?

The first role of a great dating platform should be self-reflection. Using guided questions, therapeutic prompts, and maybe even AI-powered journaling, it helps you understand your values, desires, fears, and patterns. Before swiping on anyone else, you’re swiping through yourself.

Next, it helps you explore your expectations—not just listing them, but interrogating them. Are they rooted in reality or fantasy? Are they shaped by culture, trauma, ego, or hope? And as you better understand what you’re looking for, the app gently helps you temper expectations where needed. Not to lower your standards, but to root them in mutuality, growth, and human complexity.

And here’s the magic: because the app helps every user do this—know themselves, clarify their wants, and grow emotionally—it becomes a better matchmaker. You’re not just matched by proximity or photos, but by compatible journeys.

Then, it becomes a relationship coach. After the first date, it checks in. Were you heard? Did you feel safe? Are you aligned in values or just chemistry? As the connection grows, the app grows with you—offering nudges, guidance, and even tools for resolving early misunderstandings.

In this model, dating apps stop being marketplaces and start becoming mentors. They don’t just find you a date. They help you become someone who’s ready to build a healthy relationship—and match you with someone on the same path.

That’s not just a better app. That’s a better foundation for love.

Emerging Monetization Models For Content Creators In The AI-First World

Emerging Monetization Models For LLM Platforms


A seismic shift underway: AI search and AI agents are eating the internet — or at least how it’s monetized. When AI gives people direct answers without clicks, the traditional ad revenue via traffic model collapses. So how can content creators adapt and thrive?

Here’s a detailed exploration of emerging monetization models for content creators in the AI-first world, beyond the blog-click economy:


๐Ÿ” 1. Licensing Content to LLM Platforms (Content-as-a-Service)

Think: Getty Images, but for text and ideas.
As LLMs increasingly rely on high-quality data, they’ll need clean, curated, and reliable content sources.

  • Monetization Model: Syndication or licensing deals with LLMs, aggregators, and AI agents (e.g., “premium source feeds”).

  • Opportunity: Creators can form content collectives and negotiate licensing to LLM companies (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, etc.).


๐ŸŽฏ 2. Hyper-Personalized Content for High-Value Clients

Custom research, briefings, ghostwriting, or AI prompt libraries.

  • For consultants, authors, CEOs, thought leaders who need made-for-them content and are willing to pay.

  • Example: A political influencer pays $5,000/month for a daily AI brief built off your annotated research.


๐Ÿง  3. "Embedded Creator" Inside AI Agents

Imagine a popular creator’s “voice” or persona integrated into agents.

  • Monetize as a personality layer or knowledge flavor.

  • Example: A travel blogger becomes the default voice of a travel AI — and gets royalties per use.

  • This is like selling your “character” to a virtual agent platform.


๐Ÿ“น 4. Video (and Audio) Thrives — But Needs Reinvention

Yes, video becomes even more defensible, especially when:

  • It’s deeply personal or human (vlogs, explainer videos with personality).

  • It integrates AI agents — e.g., interactive video content, AI-powered Q&A overlays.

  • Live + human = authentic = harder to clone.

  • YouTube channels might embed mini GPT agents trained on past content to keep fans engaged.


๐Ÿ“ฌ 5. Premium Community Subscriptions with AI Add-ons

Substack, Patreon, and Discord grow stronger, especially when combined with LLMs.

  • Give your community its own custom-trained GPT bot based on your writing, podcasts, or articles.

  • Add layers: Q&A, workshops, AMAs — powered by you and AI clones of you.


๐Ÿ›  6. Productized Knowledge

Turn content into tools:

  • Notion templates, GPT prompt packs, calculators, dashboards, quizzes, micro-courses.

  • Example: A productivity blogger creates a $99 AI-powered daily planner and prompt set.


๐Ÿงพ 7. Interactive Content + Microtransactions

AI agents can deliver interactive, modular content experiences.

  • Think “choose your own adventure” stories or interactive essays.

  • Monetized by $1/$5 interactions, digital collectibles, or NFT-linked stories.


๐ŸŽ™ 8. Voice Licensing + Audio Clones

If you have a popular podcast or distinctive voice, license a synthetic voice model of yourself.

  • Used in AI assistants, ads, or narration.

  • Royalty per use.


๐Ÿ“š 9. AI-First Courses + Coaching

  • Offer GPT-enhanced courses where learners talk to an assistant trained on your method.

  • Combine it with one-on-one coaching or cohort-based workshops.

  • You don’t just sell knowledge—you sell the experience of interacting with you and your AI twin.


๐Ÿงฌ 10. DNA of Your Work — Monetized via API or GPT Plugin

Turn your content into a structured knowledge base with an API or ChatGPT Plugin.

  • Users subscribe or pay per query.

  • Think: a climate science writer builds a GPT plugin to answer complex climate questions with their insights.


BONUS: Emerging Platforms & Tech to Watch

  • LangChain-powered knowledge bots

  • AI-native podcast platforms (e.g., where each episode has an LLM companion)

  • Custom GPT marketplaces

  • LLM-native blogging platforms (e.g., Netizen.page with built-in agent support)


๐Ÿ“Œ Conclusion

The new content monetization economy won’t be about pageviews or traffic — it will be about relationship, voice, trust, and tools. Creators who combine their unique perspective with LLM-enhanced delivery systems will win.






AI Agents and the Future of Ad‑Revenue Businesses

Will AI replace “Finance Bros”?
Disrupting the Bloomberg Terminal: The AI Analysts Are Here

BNPL and Systemic Risk: Could “Buy Now, Pay Later” Trigger a 2008-Style Debt Crisis?
Stablecoins: The Future of Crossborder Finance
Velocity Money: Crypto, Karma, and the End of Traditional Economics

Monday, June 02, 2025

Questions For Vinod Khosla

Comparison of HarmonyOS vs. Android and iOS

 


Comparison of HarmonyOS vs. Android and iOS

HarmonyOS, developed by Huawei, is a distributed, microkernel-based operating system designed to run across a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart TVs, and IoT devices. Here's how it compares to Android and iOS based on key aspects:
1. Architecture and Ecosystem
  • HarmonyOS:
    • Uses a distributed architecture, enabling seamless integration across devices (e.g., phones, tablets, TVs, and smart home appliances). Its "One As All, All As One" approach allows devices to communicate effortlessly, sharing resources like processing power and data.
    • Initially based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), early versions supported Android apps. However, HarmonyOS Next (launched in 2024) is fully independent, using Huawei’s proprietary microkernel and OpenHarmony, ending Android app compatibility.
    • Focuses on cross-device compatibility, smooth performance on low-spec hardware, and features like Service Widgets for quick app access without full app launches.
  • Android:
    • Built on a Linux kernel, Android is open-source (via AOSP) but heavily relies on Google Mobile Services (GMS) for apps like Gmail and Play Store. It’s highly customizable, supporting a wide range of devices from budget to premium.
    • Offers a mature ecosystem with millions of apps via the Google Play Store but can be fragmented due to varied manufacturer implementations.
  • iOS:
    • A closed-source system exclusive to Apple devices, built on the XNU kernel. Known for its tight integration with Apple hardware, resulting in optimized performance and a consistent user experience.
    • The App Store has a robust but curated app ecosystem, emphasizing security and privacy but with less flexibility than Android.
Key Differences:
  • HarmonyOS’s distributed architecture is unique, aiming for a unified ecosystem across diverse devices, unlike Android and iOS, which are primarily mobile-focused.
  • HarmonyOS Next’s independence from Android makes it a distinct platform, but its app ecosystem is less mature than Android’s Play Store or iOS’s App Store.
  • iOS prioritizes security and a polished user experience, while Android offers flexibility and broader device support. HarmonyOS aims to balance these with a focus on seamless device interconnectivity and lightweight performance.
2. Performance and Features
  • HarmonyOS:
    • Optimized for low-spec devices due to its microkernel design, enabling smooth operation on earphones, watches, and IoT devices.
    • Offers fast device-to-device connectivity (e.g., tap-to-connect) and multi-screen collaboration.
    • HarmonyOS Next reportedly reduces code by 40%, improving battery life and performance even on less powerful chips.
  • Android:
    • Performance varies by device and manufacturer optimization. High-end devices excel, but budget devices may lag.
    • Features like split-screen multitasking and customization are strengths, but bloatware on some devices can hinder performance.
  • iOS:
    • Known for smooth, consistent performance due to Apple’s hardware-software integration.
    • Features like AirDrop, Handoff, and iCloud provide seamless cross-device functionality within Apple’s ecosystem.
Edge for HarmonyOS: Its ability to run efficiently on diverse, low-spec devices and its focus on cross-device integration give it an edge in IoT and multi-device scenarios, particularly in China, where Google services are absent.
3. App Ecosystem
  • HarmonyOS:
    • The Huawei AppGallery is growing, with over 15,000 apps and services for HarmonyOS Next as of October 2024, including major Chinese apps like Alipay, DingTalk, and Bilibili.
    • Over 2.54 million developers are working on HarmonyOS, with 1,500+ apps available for download and the top 5,000 Chinese mobile apps supported.
    • However, the lack of Android app support in HarmonyOS Next limits its app library compared to Android and iOS, posing a challenge for global adoption.
  • Android:
    • The Google Play Store offers millions of apps, making it the most extensive app ecosystem. However, in China, Google services are unavailable, so Android relies on third-party app stores.
  • ** Ascendant:
    • The App Store has a curated but extensive library, with strict security standards. It’s limited to Apple devices, reducing fragmentation but also flexibility.
Challenge for HarmonyOS: Its app ecosystem is still developing, and the absence of global apps like Gmail, YouTube, and WhatsApp limits its appeal outside China.
4. Security and Privacy
  • HarmonyOS:
    • Emphasizes security and privacy, leveraging China’s focus on data sovereignty. Its microkernel design enhances security by isolating critical processes.
    • However, global concerns about data privacy due to Huawei’s Chinese origins may hinder international trust.
  • Android:
    • Security varies by device and manufacturer. Google has improved security with features like Play Protect, but fragmentation can lead to delayed updates.
  • iOS:
    • Industry-leading security with features like App Store vetting and end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, making it a benchmark for privacy.
HarmonyOS Advantage: Its focus on security aligns with China’s regulatory environment, but global perceptions of Chinese tech may limit its appeal.
5. User Experience
  • HarmonyOS:
    • Offers a smooth, personalized interface with similarities to iOS in design but with unique features like Service Widgets.
  • Android:
    • Highly customizable but inconsistent across devices due to manufacturer skins.
  • iOS:
    • Polished and intuitive but less customizable than Android or HarmonyOS.
Summary: HarmonyOS excels in cross-device integration and lightweight performance, making it ideal for Huawei’s ecosystem and IoT devices. Android offers unmatched app availability and flexibility, while iOS leads in security and consistency. HarmonyOS Next’s independence from Android is a bold move, but its ecosystem is still maturing, limiting its global competitiveness.

Adoption Rate of HarmonyOS
  • China:
    • HarmonyOS has seen rapid adoption in China, driven by Huawei’s strong brand loyalty and the success of its 5G smartphones, particularly the Mate 60 series.
    • By Q4 2024, HarmonyOS held a 19% market share in China, surpassing iOS (17%) to become the second-largest mobile OS behind Android (64%).
    • Its domestic market share grew from 8% in Q1 2023 to 17% in Q1 2024, doubling in a year, largely due to Huawei’s 5G resurgence and upgrades for older devices.
    • Over 900 million devices run HarmonyOS, including 300 million smartphones and 100 million third-party consumer products as of December 2021, with numbers likely higher by 2025.
  • Global:
    • HarmonyOS’s global market share is 4% as of Q4 2024, up from 2% in Q1 2023, but it remains primarily China-focused due to limited app availability and geopolitical concerns.
    • Adoption outside China is minimal, with potential growth in regions like Southeast Asia (e.g., Indonesia, Thailand) where Huawei has a strong presence.

Potential to Become the Dominant Mobile OS in China
Likelihood:
  • HarmonyOS has a strong chance to become the dominant mobile OS in China due to several factors:
    • Government Support: The Chinese government, particularly in Shenzhen, is pushing HarmonyOS adoption, aiming for it to power over 10% of China’s apps by 2024 and fostering industrial parks for HarmonyOS development.
    • Huawei’s Hardware Dominance: Huawei led China’s smartphone market in Q4 2024 with an 18.1% share, driven by the Mate 60, Mate 70, and Nova 13 series, all running HarmonyOS.
    • Android Limitations in China: Google services are unavailable in China, forcing Android to rely on fragmented third-party app stores. HarmonyOS’s unified ecosystem and native app growth (e.g., Alipay, JD.com, McDonald’s China) make it a strong alternative.
    • App Ecosystem Growth: With over 15,000 apps and 2.54 million developers, HarmonyOS is rapidly building a robust ecosystem tailored to Chinese users.
  • Challenges:
    • Android’s 64% market share in China (Q4 2024) is a formidable barrier, supported by its open-source nature and adoption by other Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Oppo.
    • Building a comprehensive app ecosystem to rival Android’s millions of apps remains a hurdle, though Huawei’s partnerships with major Chinese firms are closing the gap.
    • Consumer inertia and developer hesitancy (due to revenue-sharing concerns) could slow adoption.
Timeline:
  • HarmonyOS is already the second-largest OS in China and could challenge Android’s dominance within 3-5 years (by 2028-2030) if current trends continue:
    • Huawei’s Mate 70 series, launched in Q4 2024 with HarmonyOS Next, is expected to further boost adoption.
    • Government-backed initiatives and Huawei’s goal of 5,000+ app partners by 2025 suggest rapid ecosystem growth.
    • If Huawei maintains its smartphone market lead and expands HarmonyOS to other brands or IoT devices, it could surpass Android’s share, especially if Chinese competitors like Xiaomi or Oppo adopt HarmonyOS for their domestic models.
  • However, Android’s entrenched position and global app ecosystem make it unlikely for HarmonyOS to overtake it before 2028 without significant shifts in developer support or market dynamics.
Conclusion: HarmonyOS is a strong contender in China due to its ecosystem integration, government backing, and Huawei’s hardware success. It’s unlikely to dominate globally due to app and geopolitical challenges, but in China, it could become the top OS by 2030 if Huawei sustains its momentum and expands its app ecosystem.