Two ex-Google executives spearhead a bold venture to create a groundbreaking operating system for AI. Hugo Barra, Google’s former Vice President of Android product management, revealed on Wednesday, November 29, that he is leading a new startup designed to change how we interact with artificial intelligence.
I’m starting a new company with some of the best people I’ve ever worked with, and could not be more pumped. We’re calling it /dev/agents.
— Hugo Barra (@hbarra) November 26, 2024
Going back to our Android roots, building a new operating system for people & AI agents. Check out @dps‘s post below for more.
We’re… https://t.co/QSIZLXJqZl
“We’re going back to our Android roots, building a new operating system for people and AI agents,” Barra announced on X (formerly Twitter). His vision draws from his experience developing Android, a platform that transformed mobile technology into an open and accessible ecosystem.
A new operating system for AI agents
The startup /dev/agents aims to develop a cloud-based “next-gen operating system for AI agents.” This innovative platform will work seamlessly across all devices, making AI more accessible and functional.
🚀 Excited to announce my new company: /dev/agents. I’m building the next-gen operating system for AI agents, joining my former colleagues @hbarra, @alcor, and @ficus as co-founders. We’re excited to partner with @ninaachadjian (Index Ventures) and @jillchase124 (CapitalG).… pic.twitter.com/N9Br7fHUKL
— David Singleton (@dps) November 26, 2024
David Singleton, the company’s co-founder and CEO, elaborated on the idea in a post on X. He explained that AI agents—software applications designed to perform tasks autonomously—need a complete overhaul regarding user interface, privacy, and development. According to Singleton, the new system will include:
- Reimagined user interfaces tailored specifically for AI interactions.
- A robust privacy model designed to ensure trust and security for users.
- A simplified developer platform that enables creators to build valuable and intuitive AI agents with ease.
This ambitious approach mirrors the development of Android, which revolutionised mobile operating systems by offering developers a flexible and user-friendly framework.
Building a foundation for the future
Barra and Singleton believe this new system could create the same disruptive impact on AI that Android had on smartphones. With the rapid integration of AI in personal and professional settings, their mission is to establish a standardised, open platform to unify how AI agents operate and interact with users.
“Our goal is to ensure that these agents are not just functional but seamlessly integrated into everyday life,” Singleton noted. The operating system will be designed to adapt to the needs of its users, providing smarter and more efficient assistance.
The company’s vision aligns with growing calls for ethical and transparent AI development. By prioritising privacy and simplicity, /dev/agents hope to set a benchmark for future AI innovations.
Drawing from their Google experience
Barra and Singleton’s leadership has been steeped in expertise since their time at Google. Barra played a pivotal role in Android’s success, helping to establish it as the world’s most widely used mobile operating system. Singleton, who also worked at Google, brings a wealth of knowledge in software development and product design.
Their combined experience places them in a solid position to address the challenges of creating an operating system for AI, a technology still in its early stages but rapidly evolving.
As the team at /dev/agents builds this platform, they aim to make AI more accessible, trustworthy, and effective. With the backing of their extensive expertise, the startup could play a key role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
