In a strategic move to enhance the user experience of its AI coding assistant, Devin, Cognition has acquired The Interaction Company of California, the developer behind the AI assistant Poke. This acquisition, valued in the low nine figures, aims to integrate Poke’s engaging interaction model into Devin, making it feel more like a collaborative colleague than a mere tool.
Poke distinguishes itself by engaging users in a conversational manner, incorporating slang and humor to create a more relatable and enjoyable interaction. This approach aligns with Cognition’s vision for Devin, as they seek to humanize AI interactions in professional settings. The goal is to make Devin not just a coding assistant but a personable team member that enhances the collaborative experience.
Launched in March 2026, Poke allows users to interact with its AI agent through various messaging platforms, including iMessage, SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp in select markets. Users rely on Poke for a wide range of tasks, such as managing emails, setting reminders, and organizing to-do lists. Over the past three months, Poke has facilitated over 100 million message exchanges, demonstrating its popularity and effectiveness.
Despite its success, Poke faced challenges in achieving profitability due to high operational costs. In June, it became the first AI agent approved to operate on Apple’s Messages for Business platform, providing businesses with a standardized experience for customer communications within Apple’s Messages app.
For the remainder of the year, Poke will continue to operate as usual, maintaining its presence on Apple’s platform. However, starting next year, the team plans to explore ways to integrate Poke’s capabilities with Devin, leveraging Cognition’s latest software engineering model, SWE-1.7, to enhance both products.
This acquisition underscores a growing trend in the AI industry: the recognition that the personality and interaction style of AI assistants are becoming critical competitive advantages. By combining Poke’s engaging conversational abilities with Devin’s technical prowess, Cognition aims to set a new standard for AI assistants in professional environments.
As AI continues to permeate various aspects of daily life and work, the emphasis on creating relatable and personable AI interactions is likely to become increasingly important. Companies that prioritize user engagement and satisfaction through thoughtful design and integration of AI personalities will be better positioned to lead in this evolving landscape.
