A new app called Smashing, created by Otis Chandler, the co-founder of Goodreads, has been launched for online readers. Unlike Goodreads, which focuses on books, Smashing is all about curating the best web content, including news articles, blog posts, social media content, podcasts, and more. The app aims to build a community around this curated content.
One of the key features of Smashing is the AI Questions feature, which allows users to engage with the content in various ways. Users can view a news story from different perspectives, ask the AI to analyze the story, or even view the bull and bear case for a company’s stock. There are several AI prompts available, including a “make it funny” prompt and others that can simplify the story, display a timeline, or offer unconventional takes on the content.
Users can create multiple interest feeds on the app to stay informed about topics that matter to them, such as politics, investing, parenting, health, specific companies, sports teams, crypto, climate change, and more. The app leverages AI to match content to individual readers based on their reading habits, preferred subtopics, and community feedback.
Smashing also introduces AI-powered Story Overview pages, which group together articles, blog posts, and social media content related to the same story. Since the announcement of Smashing, over 2,000 people have signed up for the waitlist, and thousands are currently testing the beta version. Chandler notes that the AI algorithms have significantly improved thanks to user feedback, community input, and advancements in AI models.
The app is currently available on iOS, with a web version in the works. Smashing has received $3.4 million in seed funding from True Ventures, Blockchange, Offline Ventures, Advancit Capital, Power of N Ventures, and several angel investors.
Overall, Smashing offers a new way for online readers to engage with curated web content, explore different perspectives on stories, and stay informed about topics of interest. With its AI-powered features and community-driven approach, Smashing aims to revolutionize the way people consume and interact with online content.
