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Top AI Assistants You Can Text Directly to Handle Tasks

Instead of downloading a separate application, a growing number of AI agents can be simply texted like an ordinary person. By messaging your specific

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Originally reported bytechcrunch

Instead of downloading a separate application, a growing number of AI agents can be simply texted like an ordinary person. By messaging your specific needs, these agents can remember context, connect to the apps and services you already use, and complete tasks on your behalf. This can include scheduling appointments, organizing calendars, researching trips, sending emails, making reservations, shopping online, or sending reminders days later. While Instinct is currently a highly valued player, valued at $10 billion after its recent funding round, there are many other companies also making a strong play for this space.

Below are some of the most notable options available so far, ranging from general-purpose personal assistants to agents designed for families, travel, and professional workflows.

Caddy is an AI assistant designed to transform scattered information into actionable items. It operates directly within iMessage for iPhone users and RCS for Android users, eliminating the need for a separate inbox or application. For example, if an email contains an appointment or a friend sends a list of errands, Caddy connects to your calendars and conversations to identify tasks requiring action. It can add events, set reminders, track follow-ups, and even conduct research. The service has been in public beta since April 2026.

Comma manages tasks across both professional and personal life, carrying assignments through to completion while verifying its own work. Completed tasks are surfaced for review when approval is necessary, and the agent proactively notifies users with recommendations. It functions across browsers and computers while remaining accessible via messaging apps like Signal and WeChat. Comma maintains context across devices and can deliver briefings, flag urgent matters, and summarize calls. It is open source and free to start.

Fambot is an AI-powered "chief of staff" for families that organizes school communications, sports activities, meal planning, and calendars into a unified plan. Available on iOS, Android, and the web, families can interact via SMS. Every night, it sends a summary of the next day's events and to-dos. Currently connecting to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Outlook (with Apple Calendar support planned), the company raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding. It is free during beta but may eventually cost around a Netflix subscription.

Folk distinguishes itself by running on a private cloud computer and executing multi-step tasks rather than just conversing. Launched in beta in May 2026, it offers a free version and a Pro subscription at $8.33 per month for unlimited background tasks.

Instinct gained significant attention after raising $350 million at a $2.5 billion valuation, later increasing to a $10 billion valuation with a $1 billion round in September 2026. This always-available agent takes actions on behalf of users through text or voice, connecting to existing apps like Google Workspace and email. Early users have utilized it for trip planning, grocery shopping, and booking tickets. In September, it began offering dedicated email addresses for assistants to handle sign-ups and requests securely. It also added support for placing calls and is currently in private beta.

Powered by Hermes Agent, Iris allows users to delegate tasks via iMessage. It connects to user apps to handle requests, retaining context from previous interactions and proactively following up. It is designed for direct delegation through messaging.

Martini is a general-purpose assistant reachable via SMS, phone, WhatsApp, email, Slack, and its iOS app. It manages calendars, emails, reminders, and communications, and can act on behalf of users by sending messages or making calls. Subscription plans start at $21 per month.

Miso specializes in personal travel assistance via iMessage, combining AI planning with a dedicated travel team. It handles flight arrangements while considering loyalty points and preferences, providing trip details and personalized recommendations.

Ohai helps households manage information and tasks, transforming messages or voice requests into schedules and plans. It coordinates calendars, chores, and meals for multiple family members, offering a free basic option and paid plans starting at $9.99 per month.

Ollie focuses on families by aggregating scattered information from school messages and group chats. It differentiates itself as one of the first family-focused AI assistants to achieve SOC 2 compliance. Launched in June 2026, it offers a free tier and paid plans starting at $25 per month for 150 messages.

Orbits manages household tasks through its app and text messaging, coordinating calendars and carrying out actions like web searches and purchases. It also reminds family members about chores and coordinates responsibilities. Backed by investors like Andreessen Horowitz, it operates as a household assistant.

Pally is designed to interact like a friend while connecting information across WhatsApp, Gmail, and calendars. It tracks plans, receipts, and files. Plans include a free tier with 15 minutes of calls per month and paid options starting at $25 per month for 30 minutes.

Poke, launched in March 2026, is a general assistant accessible via text. It became notable in June 2026 when Apple approved it for the Apple Messages for Business platform. The parent company was later acquired by Cognition for a low nine-figure sum.

Rene positions itself as a "best contact" rather than just a productivity agent. It works via text and converts conversations into tasks or summaries, maintaining context across interactions. It features a browser, code writing, shopping, and image creation. Available on iMessage, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

Skye acts as an "agentic homescreen" for the iPhone, analyzing connected services to surface relevant information via contextual cards. It generates audio briefings and prepares info for meetings. The company raised $3.6 million in seed funding and entered private beta in April 2026.

Stanley targets content creators, helping them generate ideas and maintain social media schedules. Available on iMessage, Telegram, and the web, it connects to Instagram to suggest content based on user activity and turns voice notes into scripts.

Szn coordinates tasks and follow-ups within a single conversation thread. It handles calls, emails, and follow-ups, having completed over 10,000 jobs for businesses across 16 countries.

Tab allows users to delegate everyday tasks through iMessage or WhatsApp for ordering groceries or finding gifts. The company emerged from stealth in October with a $300 million valuation backed by SV Angel.

Tomo is a personal assistant for iMessage that integrates into group conversations. It assists with goals, accountability, and organization, capable of web searching, video watching, and photo editing. Plans start at $19.99 per month.

Town targets the professional sector with "Townie," an assistant that learns user workflows to handle recurring tasks on email, calendars, and Slack. It raised a $55 million Series A in June 2026.

Underdog is a privacy-focused assistant running entirely on the user's device (Mac/Windows) to keep data local. It plans to offer the app for free without advertising, with Linux and mobile versions planned.

Wajo's first consumer agent, Fo, handles calls, emails, and bookings using its own identity (email, phone, payment card). It brings in human assistance when necessary. Fo launched publicly in September 2026 with a free tier and Pro options.

#AI News#Text-based AI#Personal Assistant#Messaging Apps#Task Automation
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