Overview of AI Messaging Agents
A new wave of AI assistants is emerging that operate directly through SMS, iMessage, and various messaging apps. These agents allow users to send tasks via text, retaining context from conversations and linking to existing calendars, emails, and other services to perform actions on their behalf.
Key Features of Notable Agents
Instinct is currently in private beta and can be accessed via text or voice. It connects to Google Workspace and other applications, enabling users to plan trips, buy groceries, book tickets, and cancel subscriptions. In September 2026, Instinct began providing users with dedicated email addresses for their assistants, allowing the agent to manage sign-ups and follow-ups without cluttering personal inboxes.
Caddy operates within iMessage for iPhone users and RCS for Android users. It has been in public beta since April 2026, transforming scattered information on users’ phones into actionable tasks. Caddy can add events to calendars, set reminders, and track follow-ups.
Fambot serves as a family-oriented AI assistant, sending nightly summaries of the next day’s events and connecting to Gmail and Google Calendar, with plans to support Outlook and Apple Calendar in the future. Launched in early September 2026, Fambot is currently in beta and has raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding.
Folk is accessible via iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Launched in May 2026, it offers a Pro subscription for $8.33 per month and can manage reminders, research topics, and handle real-world tasks like restaurant reservations.
Martin is a general-purpose assistant available through SMS, WhatsApp, and its own iOS app, with subscriptions starting at $21 per month. It helps manage calendars, emails, reminders, and tasks, and can act on behalf of users by sending messages or making calls.
Ohai, Ollie, and Orbits focus on family coordination, offering features like calendar synchronization and task management. Ollie, which launched in June 2026, is notable for achieving SOC 2 compliance and offers paid plans starting at $25 per month.
Funding and Availability
Instinct raised $1 billion in September 2026, valuing the company at $10 billion, following an earlier $350 million funding round at a $2.5 billion valuation. Town secured a $55 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz and Forerunner in June 2026. Signull Labs, the developer of Skye, raised approximately $3.6 million in seed funding in 2025.
Availability of these agents varies: some remain in private beta, while others are publicly accessible across iOS, Android, web, and SMS platforms. Pricing ranges from free tiers to monthly subscriptions and per-minute calling packages.
Original source: TechCrunch AI