{"version":1,"type":"story","url":"https://digestai.news/story/wabi-shifts-to-ai-messenger-with-app-building-features","json":"https://digestai.news/story/wabi-shifts-to-ai-messenger-with-app-building-features.json","markdown":"https://digestai.news/story/wabi-shifts-to-ai-messenger-with-app-building-features.md","slug":"wabi-shifts-to-ai-messenger-with-app-building-features","headline":"Wabi shifts to AI messenger with app-building features","summary":"Wabi, the AI startup known for prompt-based app creation, is rebranding as a messaging-focused platform called Wabi 2.0. Founder Eugenia Kuyda, who previously led Replika, frames it as a ‘personal agent’ that combines chat and dynamic app interfaces for tasks like health tracking or family planning. The pivot follows rising demand for AI agents like Meta’s Muse and Instinct, which blend conversation with productivity tools.\n\nWabi 2.0 aims to address frustrations with chat-only agents, where tasks and history become buried in endless scrolls. Kuyda highlights user preferences for interactive elements like tapping, scrolling, and visual interfaces alongside text. The new version lets users create on-demand apps—such as calorie trackers or event calendars—within conversation threads. OpenAI’s recent ChatGPT plugin updates further underscore the trend toward integrating apps into chatbots. Wabi 2.0 remains invite-only for now, with codes distributed via X.","keyPoints":["Wabi rebrands as a messaging platform with dynamic app-building features under Wabi 2.0","Founder Eugenia Kuyda positions it as a ‘personal agent’ combining chat and interactive interfaces","Invite-only access via X, targeting users who prefer visual and task-oriented AI interactions"],"whyItMatters":"Wabi’s shift signals growing consumer demand for AI agents that merge conversation with tangible tools, challenging standalone app builders and chat-only interfaces.","category":{"slug":"agents","name":"Agents & Tools","url":"https://digestai.news/category/agents"},"entities":{"companies":["Wabi","Meta","OpenAI","Replika"],"models":[],"people":["Eugenia Kuyda"]},"firstPublishedAt":"2026-09-29T17:20:00Z","updatedAt":"2026-09-29T17:20:00Z","sourceCount":1,"hasPrimarySource":false,"sources":[{"outlet":"TechCrunch AI","title":"AI-powered app maker Wabi pivots to a messaging experience","url":"https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/29/ai-powered-app-maker-wabi-pivots-to-a-messaging-experience","publishedAt":"2026-09-29T17:20:00Z","type":"press","primary":false,"lead":true}],"sourceNotes":null,"discussions":[],"thread":null,"cite":{"text":"Digest AI, \"Wabi shifts to AI messenger with app-building features\", 29 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/wabi-shifts-to-ai-messenger-with-app-building-features","publisher":"Digest AI","title":"Wabi shifts to AI messenger with app-building features","datePublished":"2026-09-29T17:20:00Z","url":"https://digestai.news/story/wabi-shifts-to-ai-messenger-with-app-building-features"},"generatedBy":"Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record.","license":"Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse"}