Notion killing Skiff-influenced email app since most users use AI agents instead

Editor's take

Notion is pivoting its email product strategy, moving away from direct user interaction towards an agent-driven experience for managing inboxes. This signifies a shift in how productivity tools are being conceptualized, with AI agents becoming the primary interface for tasks previously handled by humans within applications like email.

This development is significant as it reflects a broader trend of AI agents taking over routine digital labor. For users, it promises a more automated and potentially efficient inbox management system, though it raises questions about user control and transparency. It contrasts with the more traditional, human-centric approach of applications like Skiff, which Notion had initially seemed to emulate.

The key question now is how Notion will implement these agents. Will they offer granular control over agent actions, or will it be a more black-box approach? The success of this pivot will likely hinge on the agents' ability to reliably and accurately manage user communications without introducing new friction or errors, and whether users will trust an AI to effectively "run" their inbox.