Introduction to Cluely: The AI Startup Making Waves

Cluely, an AI startup, has gained significant attention for its claim that its "undetectability" feature allows users to "cheat on everything." The company uses a hidden in-browser window to analyze online conversations, sparking controversy and debate.

The Controversy Surrounds Cluely

The company’s co-founder, Roy Lee, was suspended from Columbia University for boasting about using Cluely to cheat on a coding test while applying for a developer job at Amazon. This incident has raised questions about the ethics of using such technology.

A New Player Enters the Scene: Truely

In response to Cluely, another Columbia University student, Patrick Shen, has launched Truely, a product designed to catch "cheaters" who use Cluely. Truely claims it can detect the use of unauthorized applications during online meetings, marketing itself as an "anti-Cluely."

Cluely’s Response to Truely

However, Cluely’s co-founder, Roy Lee, is not fazed by Truely’s launch. According to Lee, the invisibility function is not a core feature of Cluely, but rather a "nifty add-on." Most enterprises opt to disable the invisibility feature due to legal implications. Lee has stated that Cluely will likely start prompting users to be more transparent about their usage.

Shift in Marketing Strategy

Since securing a $15 million Series A from Andreessen Horowitz, Cluely has shifted its marketing strategy away from promoting "cheating." The company’s tagline has changed from "cheat on everything" to "Everything You Need. Before You Ask. … This feels like cheating." This change in strategy suggests that Cluely is trying to rebrand itself and move away from the negative connotations associated with cheating.

The Bigger Picture: Cluely’s Ambitions

Cluely’s marketing tactics have been described as "rage-bait marketing," and it seems that the company has successfully baited people into thinking of its technology as a cheating tool. However, Lee has bigger ambitions for Cluely: to replace ChatGPT. According to Lee, Cluely functions similarly to ChatGPT but with the added benefit of knowing what’s on the user’s screen and hearing their audio.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cluely has sparked controversy with its claims of allowing users to "cheat on everything." While the company has shifted its marketing strategy, its ambitions go beyond just providing a tool for cheating. With its goal of replacing ChatGPT, Cluely is poised to make a significant impact in the AI industry. As the debate surrounding Cluely continues, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates the complexities of its technology and its potential implications.