Automattic has acquired WPAI, a dynamic AI startup launched in 2022, known for its innovative AI solutions tailored to improve the WordPress experience. Automattic already has several AI projects such as the Jetpack AI, Odie, an in-house chatbot for WordPress.com support, and Big Sky the AI website builder for WordPress.
WPAI’s Current Line-Up of Offerings and Its Future
WPAI currently has three products:
- CodeWP – AI code generator for WordPress and WooCommerce
- AgentWP – An AI assistant for WordPress
- WP.Chat – A free AI chat for WordPress
Coming to the future of these three products, WPAI has announced that CodeWP and AgentWP will no longer be actively developed, and the technology behind them will be integrated into the new initiatives from Automattic,” While CodeWP and AgentWP will be sunset in their current forms, the core technology powering these platforms will be reimagined and integrated into new offerings under the Automattic umbrella.” No update has been provided about the status of WP.Chat project as of now. The team has announced that in the coming months, they will share more details of this transition.
CodeWP and AgentWP will no longer be actively developed, and the technology behind them will be integrated into the new initiatives from Automattic
As part of the acquisition, the entire WPAI team including its founders – James LePage, Greg Hunt, and Ovidiu “Ovi” Iulian Galatan will be joining Automattic. James LePage will spearhead various applied AI initiatives and Automattic said,” They’ll be working on testing, building, and integrating innovative AI solutions into the core ecosystem to redefine how users and developers work with WordPress.”
The Road Ahead
The initial impact of this acquisition is that WPAI’s research and technology will be incorporated into both current and future Automattic products and services. This will ensure that WordPress becomes more user-friendly and accessible for all. The team stated, “Much of our research and technology will be integrated and distributed through existing and new Automattic products and offerings. This move will amplify our ability to make WordPress more intuitive and accessible for everyone through innovative AI solutions.”
They have also described the direction that they will be taking to achieve this, ”Our work at Automattic will focus on making WordPress more accessible through applied AI solutions. This includes developing AI standards for WordPress, improving the platform’s core functionality, and creating tools that help users build and manage better websites. We’ll work closely with the WordPress community to thoughtfully implement these improvements while maintaining open source values.”
Impact of This Acquisition on Users
For the existing customers of WPAI, this will result in monthly subscriptions being closed without renewal and annual subscribers will receive prorated refunds in the coming weeks.
This was communicated by James LePage on Facebook in their group.