AI App Cluele Struggles to Provide Quick, Relevant Responses in Live Chats
A new AI application called Cluele has recently garnered significant attention. Developed by Columbia University student Chungin "Roy" Lee, Cluele is designed to enhance users' performance in various situations such as dates, interviews, and meetings by analyzing their screen content, listening to audio, and providing instant answer suggestions. In effect, it serves as a real-time “cheat tool,” offering guidance to improve communication. However, this innovative approach led to Lee's suspension from the university in March due to disciplinary issues related to the app's release. Since its launch on Sunday, Cluele has attracted approximately 70,000 users, much to Lee's surprise and excitement. He expressed his views on LinkedIn, stating that Cluele is “cheating for everything,” and emphasizing that in the age of AI, the concept of cheating needs redefinition. The app has secured $5.3 million in funding from venture capitalists Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, reflecting the growing interest in AI-driven solutions for everyday challenges. To gauge Cluele's effectiveness, I tested the Pro version, which costs $20 per month. During the trial, Cluele scanned my LinkedIn profile and provided several suggested answers about my media consumption and professional experience. While some responses were plausible, many were inaccurate. For example, it claimed I had interviewed an article about layoffs in the tech industry and incorrectly assumed I was proficient in Malay, whereas I only have basic Korean skills. In a simulated interview, Cluele exhibited noticeable delays, taking between five to ten seconds to respond—this is a significant drawback in the high-pressure environment of an interview. Additionally, its answers were often generic and lacked personalization or precision. Although it performed reasonably for common questions, Cluele generally did not offer better responses than the user could provide independently. Industry experts acknowledge that Cluele, despite its current limitations, shows promise. They suggest that if the developers can improve response time, accuracy, and broaden the range of information sources, Cluele could evolve into a game-changing AI assistant. However, the current performance issues, including random generation of incorrect information and privacy concerns, have made many users hesitant about continuing to use the app. Cluele's introduction highlights the rapid advancement of AI technology and its expanding applications in real-world scenarios. The app raises critical questions about the ethical implications of using AI for assistance, the importance of protecting user privacy, and the boundaries of AI in daily life. Lee believes that as foundational models improve, so will Cluele's product. Nevertheless, in its current state, Cluele falls short of being a fully reliable assistant, especially for high-stakes situations like job interviews. The underlying technology and philosophy of Cluele reflect a broader trend in modern AI applications: leveraging screen analysis and natural language processing (NLP) to support human interactions across diverse contexts. This integration of AI into everyday communication promises to revolutionize how we interact and perform tasks. However, the success of such apps hinges on striking a balance between technological innovation and safeguarding user privacy. Cluele's emergence has sparked a significant conversation in the tech community. While it offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of AI-powered assistance, it also underscores the ongoing struggle to manage the ethical and practical challenges involved. As AI continues to permeate our lives, developers and users alike must grapple with how these tools can be used responsibly and effectively. Companies like Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures, which have invested in Cluele, recognize the potential in AI applications that can seamlessly integrate into users' daily activities. However, they also acknowledge the need for Cluele to address its current shortcomings. The app's developers face the critical task of refining their product to meet user expectations and ensure data privacy, a challenge that extends beyond Cluele to the entire AI ecosystem. In conclusion, Cluele represents a promising yet imperfect step forward in AI technology. Its future success depends on overcoming technical hurdles and addressing ethical concerns, a journey that will likely involve ongoing collaboration between developers, investors, and end-users. The dialogue sparked by Cluele is essential for shaping responsible and effective AI applications that benefit society while respecting individuals' rights and privacy.
