Hark's Free AI Runs Your Errands Before You Ask
This free AI could save you hours on chores—but at a privacy cost.
Hark, a startup founded by Brett Adcock, just launched Hark Pro on October 6. It's a free AI assistant that doesn't just answer questions—it actually does things for you. Think ordering groceries, paying bills, booking a ride, or even noticing your child's lunch card is low and offering to refill it. It works on web, iOS, and Android, and there are paid plans ($20/month for double usage, $100/month for ten times) if you need more. The company also plans to ship hardware devices in 2027, with cellular service from AT&T.
The big idea is proactive help. Hark Pro remembers your preferences, connects to your email and calendar, and can even log into websites for you. It uses something called "Action Buttons" so you can approve payments or cancellations with a tap. For example, if you're planning a movie night, it could find seats, check parking, reserve a garage, and later give you the entry QR code. It's like having a personal assistant who anticipates your needs—but it's an AI.
Of course, there's a catch. To be useful, Hark needs a lot of access: your passwords, payment info, and personal communications. It stores these in an encrypted vault that even Hark says it can't see, and promises not to sell your data. But giving any AI that much power is risky. If your account is hacked or the AI makes a mistake, the consequences could be serious. Experts suggest starting with low-stakes tasks and never connecting work accounts without checking company policy.
The bigger bet is hardware. Hark is entering a crowded market—Meta and OpenAI are also building AI agents. Hark's real differentiator might be its upcoming devices, which are said to be portable and useful at home and work, but not camera glasses or wearable pins. For now, Hark Pro is a free way to test how much you trust an AI with your digital life.
- Hark Pro is a free AI assistant that can order groceries, pay bills, and book rides automatically, saving you time on digital chores.
- It requires access to your passwords, email, and payment info, which poses privacy and security risks if compromised.
- Paid plans cost $20/month for double usage or $100/month for ten times, and Hark plans to launch hardware devices in 2027.
Why It Matters
This free AI could handle your boring online errands, but you must decide if the time saved is worth the privacy risk.