Acti puts AI agents directly into your smartphone keyboard

A groundbreaking startup is set to transform the way we communicate by integrating artificial intelligence directly into smartphone keyboards. Acti, based in Singapore, launched its innovative keyboard for both iOS and Android on Tuesday. This new tool not only predicts your next word but also executes tasks on your behalf within the applications you frequently use, such as email, messaging, and social media. According to Young Wang, the founder and CEO of Acti, the keyboard addresses a common frustration among users who often find themselves switching between multiple apps to utilize AI assistance. He explained that current AI agents have limitations because user context is divided across various applications. "Acti operates across all these platforms, allowing us to create a context layer that genuinely belongs to the user," Wang stated in an email interview with TechCrunch. The launch of Acti reflects a fresh perspective on how consumers can harness AI. Instead of requiring users to open separate AI chatbots, Acti demonstrates how AI can be seamlessly integrated into the interfaces we already rely on. For instance, if a friend inquires about nearby dining options, Acti can provide a local recommendation right within the chat. Similarly, if a stock is mentioned, Acti can share live prices without the need to switch to a search engine or another app, streamlining the user experience. At its core, Acti leverages Google’s Gemini models, chosen for their balance of intelligence, speed, and multilingual capabilities. One standout feature is called Skills, which enables users to program a single key to perform complex tasks automatically, such as translating text or sharing meeting links. Notably, Acti prioritizes user privacy by adopting a local-first approach, ensuring that personal information remains on the user's device unless an external processing feature is activated. Wang's inspiration for this new keyboard emerged from his previous experience at Baidu, where he contributed to the growth of the Facemoji Keyboard, which boasted over 300 million daily users. "With the arrival of large language models, I recognized that text has evolved into a carrier of intent, capable of being translated into actionable steps in everyday scenarios," he remarked. Wang expressed excitement about reinventing the keyboard, a fundamental tool in our daily lives, to align with the needs of the AI era. While Acti’s business model is still evolving, the company plans to offer subscription services that provide access to advanced AI models, increased daily usage limits, and additional premium features. The app comes equipped with built-in Skills, allowing for tasks like translating messages by simply long-pressing a specific key. Users can create their own Skills using plain language, making it accessible even for those without coding knowledge. In the lead-up to the launch, early testers developed over 1,000 Skills in a mere two weeks. Acti has recently secured $5.3 million in seed funding, led by BITKRAFT Ventures, with investors optimistic about the company's potential in shaping the future of human-computer interaction. The team behind Acti includes CTO Mike Sun, a key player in the success of Baidu’s cloud-photo platform, and CSO Junbo Yang, who has a strong background in consumer investments. Currently, Acti is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.