A growing number of AI agents are emerging that can be texted directly like an ordinary person, eliminating the need to download separate apps. These messaging-based assistants can remember context, connect to existing apps and services, and complete various tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing calendars, researching trips, and shopping online. While Instinct is currently one of the buzziest players with a $10 billion valuation, several other notable options are making a play for the space.
Caddy lives in iMessage for iPhone users and RCS for Android users, acting on scattered phone information by connecting to calendars and conversations. Comma manages tasks across work and everyday life, working across browsers and computers while remaining accessible remotely through Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. Fambot serves as a family chief of staff via SMS and apps, helping coordinate school communications, sports activities, and meal planning. Meanwhile, Folk operates through iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram on its own private cloud computer to execute multi-step tasks.
These messaging-based artificial intelligence tools matter because they integrate directly into daily communication channels to handle complex organizational and real-world tasks without requiring dedicated application interfaces.