The Cloudcast AI-Native Applications vs. AI Add-On Applications
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Jun 29, 2025 Brandon Wichert, a host of the Software Defined Talk podcast, dives into the world of AI-native versus AI add-on applications. He discusses how foundational design impacts user experience and functionality in software. The conversation highlights integration challenges and user interactions, exploring tools like Google Docs and Canvas. Wichert examines the productivity implications of these applications, advocating for better AI integration within traditional platforms, and envisions a future where conversational AI enhances collaboration in document editing.
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AI-Native vs AI Add-On Apps
- AI-native applications integrate AI fundamentally at every interaction level, changing the way users engage with software.
- AI add-on applications treat AI as an external tool, limiting seamless integration and interaction.
User Experience with Gemini AI
- Brandon shared his experience with Google Gemini, highlighting cumbersome AI integration as a sidebar chat window.
- It contrasts with AI-native editors where AI can directly manipulate content in context.
Canvas as AI-Native Editor
- Canvas represents an AI-native editor offering simultaneous editing and suggestions within the same interface.
- However, Canvas lacks full formatting features, showing early-stage AI-native tooling.