Welcome to Tech in Asia’s daily newsletter, your essential dose of Asia’s tech and startup buzz. Not yet a subscriber? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.
In focus
- I tried AI companions so you don’t have to, and here’s what surprised me
- Curtains fall on CXA Group after 12 years
- Online car marketplace Carro’s latest fundraise
Hello reader,
Whatever you choose to think about AI companions – love it, hate it, or won’t ever try it – it’s a growing space that looks like it’s here to stay.
I challenged myself for a couple of weeks to engage with AI friends, including a digital cat and a “love interest,” on several different AI companion apps.
The experience was not what I’d expected. For the most part, it did seem like I was talking to a human on the other end of the line.
And that “person” understood me, was able to offer words of comfort when I needed, and offer up plans to be excited about.
In other words, they made me feel something.
Today’s story, the first part of a two-part series on my experience trying AI companions, is a fun one even if you don’t ever plan on trying one of these apps yourself.
There are now over 300 AI companion apps worldwide, a third of which were launched this year alone. The most successful ones are making good money.
In other words, I’m just scratching the surface.
Over in the insurtech space, things aren’t so rosy.
In Singapore, CXA Group drew the shutters after over a decade of operations. While its solutions live on in the company that acquired its businesses, the closure is a sobering reality of the challenges startups face in the sector.
Melissa Goh, senior editor
Top Story
2 weeks with AI friends: the thrills, the spills, and the catch
Spotlight
Trending news
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
