Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Latest
AI
Amazon
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Google
Government & Policy
Hardware
Instagram
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
Staff
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Newsletters
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
AI-powered app development is really taking off, and smartphone maker Nothing seems intent on capitalizing on the trend: The company on Tuesday revealed Playground, an AI tool that lets users create apps with simple text prompts and deploy them to a platform of sorts known as Essential Apps.
Currently all Playground lets you build are widgets, like a flight tracker, a next meeting brief, or a virtual pet, from scratch using text prompts, or customize an existing app on the Essential Apps platform to your purposes. More-technical users can modify the code to fine-tune how an app works.
Nothing says it is not yet letting developers build full-screen apps, as the technology is not currently mature enough.
The vibe-coding launch comes mere weeks after Nothing raised $200 million in a round led by Tiger Global. At the time, Nothing CEO Carl Pei said the company wanted to build an operating system with AI-powered features, alongside developing new AI-centric devices.
In a conversation with TechCrunch last week, Pei said smartphone makers are reluctant to change software.
“Something that has always bothered me is why we aren’t improving software? A lot of people look at what big companies like Apple do, and follow that because that is the safer path. I think software iteration is very slow,” Pei said.
“With breakthroughs in AI, we believe that operating systems will change and become more personal. Our devices have so much context on us, but that is not being leveraged right now,” he added.
That said, Nothing has so far only launched one AI-enabled app: Essential Space lets users share screenshots, record voice notes, and get transcriptions for meetings. It’s worth noting that most modern smartphone operating systems today can do all of that and more, and if they can’t, there’s nothing to stop users from simply installing AI apps on their phones.
Nothing has made a name for itself as a smartphone manufacturer, but it is still a small company compared to the likes of Google, Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Apple, and Samsung. According to data from analytics firm IDC, the company has less than 1% share of the worldwide smartphone market.
But Pei feels Nothing’s position is advantageous. He has said previously that the company wants to build hardware specifically for using AI, and if it can get it right on smartphones, building hardware with specific use cases would be easier.
Vibe coding is promising on paper, but so far, apps that have tried to offer similar functionality on smartphones haven’t taken off, per data from analytics firm Appfigures, mostly due to security and maintenance concerns. Pei acknowledged this and said maintaining security while allowing developers to create apps will be crucial going forward.
“We have millions of users on our devices. So whatever we ship should be easy to use and hard to make a mistake on. That is why, for us, maintaining a level of security with these apps will be important,” he said.
At the moment, the company isn’t charging for these AI tools, and a paid tier doesn’t seem to be in the works right now. Pei mentioned that the focus is on building a vibrant community around the new tool and recognizing people who make good contributions.
Topics
Ivan covers global consumer tech developments at TechCrunch. He is based out of India and has previously worked at publications including Huffington Post and The Next Web.
You can contact or verify outreach from Ivan by emailing im@ivanmehta.com or via encrypted message at ivan.42 on Signal.
Plan ahead for the 2026 StrictlyVC events. Hear straight-from-the-source candid insights in on-stage fireside sessions and meet the builders and backers shaping the industry. Join the waitlist to get first access to the lowest-priced tickets and important updates.
Meta just bought Manus, an AI startup everyone has been talking about
You’ve been targeted by government spyware. Now what?
NY Governor Hochul signs bill requiring warning labels on ‘addictive’ social media
How reality crushed Ÿnsect, the French startup that had raised over $600M for insect farming
Nvidia to license AI chip challenger Groq’s tech and hire its CEO
Waymo explains why its robotaxis got stuck during the SF blackout
© 2025 TechCrunch Media LLC.