In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology, one startup has sparked significant debate with its bold claims. Cluely, an innovative company that utilizes a discreet in-browser interface to scrutinize online interactions, has gained notoriety for its assertion that its unique ‘undetectability’ feature empowers users to excel in various scenarios, including job interviews and exams.
Roy Lee, the co-founder of Cluely, recently found himself in the spotlight after being suspended from Columbia University. His suspension stemmed from his admission of using Cluely, initially branded as Interview Coder, to gain an unfair advantage during a coding assessment for a developer position at a major tech firm.
In a twist of events, another student from Columbia, Patrick Shen, took to social media to unveil his creation, a tool named Truely. This new product aims to identify individuals who may be using Cluely to gain an edge in interviews or online meetings. Marketed as an ‘anti-Cluely,’ Truely claims to have the capability to detect unauthorized applications in use during virtual interactions.
Despite the emergence of Truely, Lee remains unfazed. He expressed his views in a recent interview, stating, “Our focus is not on whether we can be detected. The invisibility feature is merely an additional aspect of Cluely. Many organizations choose to disable this feature due to potential legal concerns.”
In response to Shen’s announcement, Lee acknowledged the value of Truely while indicating that Cluely may soon encourage users to adopt a more transparent approach in their usage.
Following a successful funding round that raised $15 million from a prominent venture capital firm, Cluely has begun to pivot its marketing strategy. The company’s messaging has shifted from promoting ‘cheating’ to a more nuanced tagline: “Everything You Need. Before You Ask. … This feels like cheating.” This change reflects a desire to redefine the narrative surrounding their technology.
Cluely’s marketing strategies have drawn criticism, with some labeling them as provocative tactics designed to generate buzz. However, Lee has broader aspirations for Cluely, envisioning it as a competitor to established AI platforms.
“Our ambition is for users to think of Cluely whenever they need assistance, just as they would with other AI tools. Cluely offers similar functionalities but with the added advantage of understanding the user’s screen content and audio context,” Lee elaborated.