One of the first things I did after leaving my job at WIRED was give access to my email and calendar to Claude Cowork, an AI assistant. Having reported on artificial intelligence for years, I was eager to see how it could assist me in my daily tasks. However, my experience with Claude was underwhelming; it felt like using a regular chatbot rather than a sophisticated virtual assistant. I had no clear idea of what I wanted it to do.
Then Instinct, an invite-only AI agent that operates via iMessage and WhatsApp, gained traction in the Bay Area. This AI connects to various apps like email and messaging to streamline tasks. Launched in private beta earlier this year, Instinct is reportedly seeking to raise $1 billion, complementing the $350 million already secured, giving it a valuation near $10 billion.
At the same time, Meta’s AI assistant Muse is also surging in popularity. With over 900,000 downloads shortly after its launch, Muse became the most popular free app in Apple’s App Store despite initially exposing users to significant security vulnerabilities. While I am hesitant to share personal information with Meta, the idea of Muse handling tasks like unsubscribing from emails is tempting.
The gap between those who embrace AI agents and those who do not is widening. Some see these tools as valuable for automating administrative tasks, while others view the disruptions and costs associated with AI technologies as not worth the trade-off. Many people’s daily issues don’t fit neatly into software solutions, and a lack of clarity on what AI can truly resolve can lead to dissatisfaction.
Eager to avoid being left behind, I decided to give Instinct a chance. Unlike other agents, it has a user-friendly format, guiding users through suggested actions without overwhelming them with messages. My first task for Instinct was to help me with a work trip to Venice, which it managed adeptly by securing restaurant reservations for me. This initial success motivated me further.
I then turned to a more intricate challenge: cancelling a flight due to a schedule change. To my astonishment, Instinct not only recognized the change but also successfully canceled my original flight for a full refund, which saved me around $550 and rebooked my return to San Francisco. This moment gave me an exhilarating sense of the evolving capabilities of AI.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the risks associated with using Instinct. Some users have reported issues, such as having their inbox retained even after disconnecting the agent or experiencing unexpected bans from services like Resy due to overuse of its API. I too faced a minor mishap when Instinct canceled a delayed DoorDash order while I was expecting a refund, costing me $64.
While Instinct can feel chaotic at times, it has also proven to be useful—like alerting me about a phishing scam attempt via email. Despite the known security risks, the ease and help it provides in my busy life are invaluable. For the time being, I am ready to embrace the potential risks that come with using this AI assistant.
