AI Revives Consumer Tech

Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, shares his perspective on how AI is creating new opportunities in consumer technology, particularly in how experiences and data can be reimagined. He believes we're entering a new era where consumer internet companies are becoming viable again after a 5-7 year lull.

Key Points:

• AI's Impact on Consumer Tech:

  • First time in 5-7 years where starting a consumer internet company feels like a good idea
  • AI enables complete reimagining of consumer experiences from the ground up
  • Experience is the product in consumer tech, unlike B2B where functionality matters more

• New Paradigm for Data and Experiences:

  • Traditional apps store canonical truths in database rows (like Yelp with restaurant data)
  • AI enables shift from structured data to raw video/media as primary source
  • Example: Instead of writing reviews, users could share videos of experiences
  • AI can extract relevant information from raw media in real-time
  • New queries possible without pre-structured data collection

• Disruption Potential:

  • Levels playing field between startups and incumbents
  • Existing carefully groomed databases become less valuable
  • Some segments could grow 10x larger with new AI-enabled approaches
  • Not all incumbents will be disrupted - some will adapt successfully

• Implementation Considerations:

  • Camera-first experiences becoming more relevant (like Snapchat/TikTok)
  • Focus shifts from structured data collection to raw media capture
  • AI handles conversion of messy real-world data into usable information
  • System can retroactively extract new types of information as needed

• Strategic Implications:

  • Value shifts from maintained databases to AI interpretation capabilities
  • Some existing products may need complete UX reimagining
  • Opportunity to create entirely new categories of consumer products
  • Success depends on picking right segments where video/media system of record is substantially better