Brian Chesky interview: AI agents need their own operating system

AI agents can now integrate more deeply with apps like Airbnb, offering richer functionality beyond basic search.

Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky believes that current AI interfaces, like chatbots, are inadequate for complex tasks such as travel planning, which he argues requires inspiration and browsing. He stated that chatbots are not collaborative and are limited to offering few options at a time, necessitating multiple interaction turns. Chesky envisions evolving interfaces that blend chatbot simplicity with richer browsing experiences, and he is exploring "multiplayer" AI for group planning within the next three to six months. The company aims to make its app more "agentic" and build user interface controls to better integrate with AI agents. Chesky also posits that a lack of a universal AI operating system hinders true interoperability between AI agents, contrasting this with the current app-centric model. He noted that companies like ChatGPT have struggled to establish app stores without robust SDKs and operating system infrastructure.

Chesky's perspective suggests a future where AI agents will not merely be conversational tools but will require robust software infrastructure to interact with and enhance existing applications. The industry's current focus on becoming the primary "quarterback" agent may be misplaced if the underlying operating system infrastructure for AI agents remains underdeveloped. Chesky anticipates a need for comprehensive software developer kits (SDKs) that allow agents to access and utilize the full capabilities of applications, potentially leading to a more seamless integration of AI into user workflows. This shift implies that companies must not only develop agent capabilities but also the foundational technology for agents to function effectively within diverse application environments.

The interview highlights a potential paradigm shift from app-centric interfaces to agent-centric ones, but Chesky argues this transition is contingent on the development of a true AI operating system. Without this, applications will likely embed agents rather than becoming agents themselves, limiting interoperability and user experience. The dominance of platforms like iOS and Android, controlled by Apple and Google, will be critical in enabling this shift. Chesky also sees voice as a crucial component for future AI interactions, with Airbnb planning to roll out voice agents, indicating a broader trend towards more natural and integrated human-AI communication.