I got the impression it's just a new OS with a different kind of alternative to the internet. Their intent is to have their own systems programming language, UI...etc. I think the idea is to start from scratch and not just rebuild on top of the current monoliths. All of that sounds intriguing to me if they can pull it off. The AI part sounds like something they also want integrated with the OS (maybe their own LLM)? I think you're overthinking what they meant by "first principles". I think that is more about...hey...if we start with this RISC computer...can we build a new computing environment from the ground up based on some core principles like it shouldn't harvest your data and serve you ads and that we don't need a web browser...etc.

Maybe I'm wrong though, but I don't think they're interested in inventing their own universe to create an apple pie from scratch. It sounds like you're alluding to that, which I agree would be an entirely different kind of experiment haha. To further that analogy, it sounds like they may be rejecting the modern industrial/factory approach to buying a Sara Lee apple pie and showing...hey...we can just use an oven and some simple tools.