Singapore-based startup Acti has officially launched an innovative AI-driven keyboard for iOS and Android, designed to transform the mobile typing experience from simple text entry into a functional command center. By integrating artificial intelligence directly into the keyboard interface, Acti allows users to execute tasks—such as retrieving stock prices, sharing meeting links, or finding local restaurant recommendations—without the need to toggle between multiple applications.

At the core of the platform is a feature set called ‘Skills,’ which enables users to automate complex, multi-step workflows. These shortcuts can be created using natural language, allowing even non-technical users to build custom AI-driven actions. The platform is powered by Google’s Gemini models, selected for their speed and multilingual capabilities. To address privacy concerns, Acti emphasizes a local-first architecture, ensuring that personal context and private conversations remain on the user’s device unless specific external processing is requested.

The company, founded by former Baidu executive Young Wang, aims to capitalize on the shift toward AI-driven intent. By embedding these tools into the keyboard, Acti positions itself as a foundational layer for human-computer interaction. The startup recently secured $5.3 million in seed funding led by BITKRAFT Ventures to support its growth and the development of its ‘Skills’ marketplace, where users can share and discover custom automation tools.

Looking ahead, Acti plans to implement a subscription-based business model, offering premium features such as access to more advanced AI models and higher usage limits. With a team experienced in scaling consumer-facing technology, the company is betting that the future of mobile productivity lies in making AI an invisible, ever-present assistant rather than a separate destination.

Key Takeaways

• Acti has released a new mobile keyboard that integrates AI agents to perform tasks directly within existing apps, eliminating the need for constant app switching.
• The platform features a 'Skills' system that allows users to create custom, automated workflows using simple natural language descriptions.
• The company secured $5.3 million in seed funding and prioritizes a local-first privacy model to keep user data on-device.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The launch of Acti represents a significant shift in the ‘agentic’ AI landscape, moving away from standalone chatbot applications toward ambient, interface-integrated AI. By targeting the smartphone keyboard—arguably the most frequently used surface on any mobile device—Acti is attempting to solve the ‘fragmentation problem’ that currently plagues AI adoption. If successful, this approach could redefine mobile productivity by turning text input into a gateway for real-time action. The success of this model will likely depend on the platform’s ability to maintain a balance between powerful automation and user privacy. Furthermore, the introduction of a ‘Skills’ marketplace suggests a long-term strategy to build a creator ecosystem, which could create a powerful network effect and establish Acti as a dominant utility in the AI-native era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Acti protect user privacy?
A: Acti utilizes a local-first model, meaning that personal context and private conversations are stored on the user's device by default and are not accessed by the company unless the user explicitly triggers a feature requiring external processing.

Q: Do I need to know how to code to create a 'Skill' in Acti?
A: No, users do not need coding skills. You can create a custom Skill by simply describing the task you want to automate in plain language, and the AI will build it for you.