Ask HN: What is your dream electronics device?

A social media only device that has integrations for the few social accounts I use that uses a public/private key utility for verification instead of phone numbers.

That way, I use a simple phone and not have to share my phone number.

└── Dey well

A very low-noise Class A vacuum tube amplifier made from tube types you don't normally find, where I hand soldered every connection from input to speaker using eutectic leaded solder, to exceed NASA specs.

I would build a "proxy box" which proxies the internet for users.

Why? The internet is a highly centralized surveillance machine, completely opposed to its original intent.

Here are some proposed functions (digs through notes) Keeping it simple so I don't divulge too much.

1. Searches the internet, and caches like Wikipedia, for information without divulging personal information There are locally curated caches for finding local services and items. Search is garbage, and AI is starting to deteriorate like search did (with ads, purchase links, and product placement) [0]

1a. Functions as a vpn, and solves captchas or just "finds" information behind captchas and paywalls.

2. Apps, whether executables or web-based, are hosted on the proxy box and collaborate/share data with others in a secure way. Extreme access controls/firewall.

3. You own your data, all of it. Even email. You send a link to your content, which has the same or better access controls than any web server. Not online? Your data is mirrored to the IPFS and assembled just in time. Same for data sharing in (2)

4. I have proposed services that build on (1) to help seniors, et. al. in a real-world "sharing economy" way and also to be a buffer to prevent scams.

5. Various other home functions. TBD

[0] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/10/gen-ai-comes-online-checkout...

There may be other proxies, like vpn endpoints, but they often trigger "too many accesses from this IP address" bans.