Nothing has announced the launch of Playground, a new app store that features user-designed, AI-generated applications. Although this initiative is presented as a step toward an “AI-native operating system,” it operates on Android rather than being a standalone system. The focus of this release is on Essential, a branding encompassing Nothing’s AI-related products, which includes existing tools such as an AI search option and Essential Space, meant for organizing voice notes and images.
Playground allows users to create applications tailored to their needs using Essential Apps, an AI tool that generates apps based on written prompts. Proposed applications include a mood tracker that syncs with music playlists and a wardrobe suggestion tool based on schedules. However, current functionalities are limited to creating simple widgets, and users must develop apps through a web interface before loading them onto their devices.
Looking ahead, founder Carl Pei envisions a more integrated experience where app creation will become seamless, potentially utilizing voice commands. He acknowledges that the initial widget functionality is just a starting point. Future iterations may produce more complex applications and suggest changes based on individual usage patterns.
Pei also discussed the potential for a new creator economy with Playground, similar to how open-source communities operate. Although he has not established a monetization strategy for the app store, he draws comparisons to YouTube as a model for future revenue opportunities.
Importantly, Nothing intends to maintain its use of Android as the underlying platform, indicating no plans to diverge from established systems. Pei highlights that popular apps will still need to be downloaded from conventional sources. Despite the excitement surrounding this development, it remains unclear how and when Nothing might fully realize its vision of an AI-native operating environment.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/788242/nothing-ai-os-essential-apps-playground