Chert launches AI platform for human-like chats on iMessage and FaceTime
A Y Combinator-backed startup has launched an AI infrastructure that lets businesses build conversational agents for iMessage and FaceTime video calls with just a few lines of code.
Chert, a new product recently launched on ProductHunt, is an AI infrastructure platform focused on Apple's communication channels—iMessage and FaceTime—diverging from most players who typically build chatbots for the web or dedicated apps.
For iMessage, Chert enables businesses to build and deploy AI that sends, receives, and manages conversations at scale, such as handling bookings or customer appointments. Messages appear as standard "blue bubbles" like regular iMessage texts, making the interaction feel natural rather than talking to a bot through a special channel.
On the FaceTime side, it is pitched as "Vapi for FaceTime," providing tools for developers to create AI Video Agents that interact via FaceTime calls using just a few lines of code. Notably, the agent can understand context from the camera's visual feed, going beyond just listening to audio.
Backed by Y Combinator, the world-renowned startup accelerator, Chert's current details stem primarily from its Product Hunt launch and AI directory Stork.AI, with deeper specifics like pricing or real customer case studies yet to be confirmed.
While iMessage and FaceTime are not primary business channels in Thailand (where LINE is preferred), the concept of embedding AI into everyday communication apps without requiring extra downloads is a trend Thai businesses should watch, as it could eventually be applied to platforms widely used locally.