Nothing Unveils Playground: AI-Powered App Builder for Mini Apps Using Text Prompts

Nothing Launches AI Tool for Building Mini Apps Using Prompts In a move to capitalize on the growing trend of AI-powered app development, smartphone maker Nothing revealed Playground, an AI tool that enables users to create apps using simple text prompts. On Monday, the company announced the launch of Essential Apps, a platform where these mini apps can be deployed. According to Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, "We're not just building devices; we're also developing an operating system with AI-powered features." Playground allows users to build widgets from scratch using text prompts or customize existing apps on the Essential Apps platform. More technical users can modify the code to fine-tune how an app works. The technology is currently limited to building mini apps, and Nothing says it's not yet mature enough to support full-screen applications. However, this launch marks a significant step towards creating a more user-friendly and accessible way of developing apps. Nothing raised $200 million in a round led by Tiger Global mere weeks ago, with Pei stating that smartphone makers are reluctant to change software. This reluctance is what Nothing aims to address with Playground and Essential Apps. Playground's AI tool uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand user prompts and generate code accordingly. The platform supports various types of widgets, including a flight tracker, next meeting brief, or virtual pet. Users can also customize existing apps on the Essential Apps platform to suit their needs. The launch of Playground comes as AI-powered app development is gaining traction in the industry. Companies are looking for ways to make app development more accessible and user-friendly, and Nothing's approach seems to be a step in that direction. In an interview with TechCrunch last week, Pei emphasized the importance of creating an operating system with AI-powered features. "We want to build an ecosystem where users can create their own apps without needing extensive coding knowledge," he said. The implications of Playground and Essential Apps are significant, as they could potentially democratize app development and make it more accessible to a wider audience. However, the technology is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen how it will evolve and mature over time. As Nothing continues to develop its AI-powered tools and devices, one thing is clear: the company's vision for creating a more user-friendly and accessible way of developing apps is taking shape. With Playground and Essential Apps, Nothing is poised to make a significant impact in the industry, and users can expect to see more innovative developments from the company in the future. Nothing did not provide information on when full-screen app support will be available or what other features are planned for Playground and Essential Apps. However, with its recent funding and clear vision for creating an AI-powered ecosystem, Nothing is certainly one to watch in the world of tech. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*