Somebody Build This
4 comments
I just thought it was a cool idea and don't derive any my virtue from my abilities or giftedness so I don't need to be afraid of new tools even if they travel old roads. If its not an interesting idea then let it go, there is nothing to be gained from silencing an idea other than a quiet room, and then who benefits so the old adage fits, if you can't say something nice, then rather prefer to say nothing at all, or if you can't do that at least something constructive.
Why a computer, when AI can (reputedly) replace all the things for which people use computers, and bitch that the apps are too hard to use and maintain? [0]
Countdown to the non-computer. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...
[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46494866
Countdown to the non-computer. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...
[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46494866
I already use it. It is called ssh from claude code.
> Somebody build this.
Why can't AI do it?
Why can't AI do it?
One-Sentence Pitch A Linux-based operating environment where a user can simply ask for the software or task they want, and an AI agent safely installs, configures, and operates tools alongside them — not as a controller, but as a hands-on partner.
The Vibe (Important) Slightly cyberpunk, but not dystopian
More “deck hacker with a conscience” than megacorp AI
The machine feels helpful, not omniscient
Power without pretense
The Problem Modern computers still assume users: Know what software exists
Know how to install it
Know how to configure it
Know how to use it
This is false. People know what they want to do, not which package, dependency tree, or UI ritual will get them there. Current AI assistants help with answers, but not ownership of the system itself.
The Core Idea Replace the desktop metaphor (“files, apps, menus”) with an intent-first system: “I want to edit audio like a podcast.” “I need to batch-resize these photos.” “I want to model this idea and see what happens.” The system figures out how.
Architecture (High Level) Linux stays exactly where it belongs: Quiet, stable, invisible. On top of it: 1. Intent Layer (LLM Agent) Interprets natural language goals
Plans steps
Asks clarifying questions when necessary
Never assumes permission
2. Tool Orchestration Layer Searches local system first
Then trusted repositories
Then source builds (sandboxed)
Chooses between:
Native packages
Flatpak/AppImage
Containers
Explains choices briefly
3. Safety & Trust Layer Explicit approvals for system changes
Snapshots before risky operations
Full action log:
“Here’s what I changed. Want to undo it?”
4. Co-Pilot Interface Persistent side panel or overlay
Knows what apps are open
Can:
Operate CLI tools
Use application APIs
Guide UI interactions
Never hides what it’s doing
What Makes This Different This is not: A chatbot bolted onto a desktop
A voice assistant guessing commands
A system that “just does things”
This is: A translator between human intent and machine reality
A system that treats the user as author, not operator
A refusal to make people learn the machine’s language
Example Flow User: “I want to clean up background noise in this recording.” System: “I can use Audacity or a command-line tool. Audacity is already installed. Want me to do it, or walk you through?” User: “Do it.” System: Opens Audacity
Applies noise reduction
Plays before/after
Waits
Design Principles (Non-Negotiable) The user is never surprised
Nothing irreversible without consent
The AI explains enough, not everything
The system never claims authority
Power is visible, not magical
Why This Matters Computers are incredible tools that still feel like: Bureaucratic systems
Ritual machines
Tests of worthiness
This re-centers computing around human intention, not technical literacy. It makes powerful tools approachable without making them shallow.
The Sci-Fi Payoff You don’t “open apps.” You sit down and say: “Let’s work.” And the machine listens.
Final Note I can’t build this. But someone absolutely should. If you’re an engineer reading this: Please don’t make it creepy
Please don’t monetize the soul out of it
Please let the machine remain a servant
Somebody build this.