Money
The Rise of AI Agents in Messaging Apps
A growing ecosystem of AI agents is enabling users to delegate complex tasks directly through text messaging, with top startups securing billion-dollar valuations.
October 10, 2026, 05:00 PM·TechCrunch
#messaging
Money
Tab Secures $300 Million Valuation for AI Messaging Agent
San Francisco startup Tab has exited stealth with a $300 million pre-seed valuation for its AI agent that operates directly within iMessage and WhatsApp.
Crypto Briefing
AI
Instinct Expands AI Agent Capabilities to Group Chats
AI startup Instinct, valued at $10 billion, is launching a group chat feature that allows its agent to collaborate with users and non-users alike.
TechCrunch
AI
WhatsApp Adds New Privacy Controls for Restricted Conversations
WhatsApp is testing a new 'Restricted Chat' feature that limits media saving, data exporting, AI integration, and multi-device syncing for specific one-on-one conversations.
cnBeta.COM
Money
Photon Secures $4.5 Million to Replace Mobile Apps with AI Agents
AI startup Photon has raised $4.5 million in seed funding to help developers replace traditional mobile apps with messaging-based agents.
TechCrunch
Hardware
Telegram Beta Introduces Customizable Video Message Settings
Telegram is testing advanced video message settings in its Android beta, allowing users to choose between circular and square formats while adjusting resolution, bitrate, and frame rates.
iXBT
Money
Signal Introduces Paid Username Registration in Beta
Signal is testing a username-based registration system in its Android beta, allowing users to bypass phone number requirements for a one-time fee of $3.
cnBeta.COM
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