Extreme Edge Computing Challenges on the Edge-Cloud Continuum

The evolution of AI and LLMs is transforming service provision, revealing the limitations of traditional cloud computing in latency and privacy. Edge computing overcomes such limitations by moving resources closer to users, but often overlooks user-owned devices. This work examines the Edge-Cloud continuum, including the role of Extreme Edge Computing (XEC), which extends computational reach to user-owned devices. We discuss how this continuum can lead to reduced latency, enhanced privacy, and improved energy efficiency, while noting the challenges posed by heterogeneous and unpredictable user-owned resources.