Instinct launches AI agent in group chats, expanding its reach beyond its users

Instinct, an AI startup valued at $10 billion, has launched its AI agent in group chats, allowing users to add the agent to conversations with friends, even if those friends haven't joined Instinct. The feature, available to early access users starting today, enables the AI to assist with tasks like travel planning, event ticketing, and Thanksgiving meal coordination. Instinct founder Noah Shinn emphasized privacy and security, stating that personal agents will ask for permission before interacting with group agents and that users can control which groups they trust. The AI agent is isolated from personal accounts and will not share information without explicit user consent. The move positions Instinct against competitors like Meta’s Muse, which lacks group chat functionality. OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT Dots, which can be used in collaborative workspaces. Shinn highlighted the benefits of the feature, noting that group chats with Instinct can streamline planning by allowing users to explore options and agree on plans within a single thread. The feature will expand to all users soon, with early access users able to request inclusion. The launch comes as Instinct and Muse continue to compete in the consumer AI market, both recently adding phone call capabilities. Federal judge calls Flock ‘indiscriminate mass surveillance’ and Amazon responds to data center backlash, saying it no longer uses NDAs.