A growing number of AI agents can be contacted by text message rather than through a separate app, according to a TechCrunch roundup of notable options. Users can text what they need, and the agents can remember context, connect to existing apps and services, and complete tasks such as scheduling appointments, organising calendars, researching trips, sending emails, making reservations, shopping online or setting reminders.
Instinct is among the most prominent. It raised $350 million at a $2.5 billion valuation before raising $1 billion in September 2026 at a $10 billion valuation. The company says early users have used it for tasks including planning trips, buying groceries, booking tickets and cancelling subscriptions. In September it began giving users dedicated email addresses for their assistants and started rolling out support for placing calls. It remains in private beta.
Other agents target specific needs. Caddy, available in public beta since April 2026, connects to calendars and conversations to identify actions and can add events, set reminders and do research. Fambot, a family-focused assistant, launched in beta in early September 2026, has raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding and is free during the beta period, though it expects to eventually charge roughly the equivalent of a Netflix subscription. It currently connects to Gmail and Google Calendar, with support for Outlook and Apple Calendar planned.
Folk runs on its own private cloud computer and can run code and execute multi-step tasks. It launched its beta in May 2026 and offers a Pro subscription at $8.33 per month for unlimited background tasks. Miso applies the assistant concept to travel through iMessage, combining AI trip planning with a dedicated travel team. Martin is reachable through SMS, phone, WhatsApp, email, Slack and its own iOS app, with subscriptions starting at $21 per month. Ohai and Ollie are family assistants, with Ohai offering subscriptions based on family size starting at $9.99 per month.