I just want AI to rename my photos
The Vergecast
11 HOURS AGO
I just want AI to rename my photos
I just want AI to rename my photos

The Vergecast
11 HOURS AGO
In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in everyday computing through the lens of Raycast, a powerful launcher and productivity platform. As AI becomes more embedded in how we interact with our devices, Raycast’s CEO Thomas Paul Mann shares insights on turning natural language into actionable commands, the challenges of model diversity, and the future of software that adapts to users—not the other way around.
Raycast is redefining productivity by integrating AI deeply into its interface, transforming how users interact with their apps and files. Rather than building its own models, Raycast connects multiple large language models, allowing users to choose or automatically route queries based on context. The platform emphasizes practical AI use—like renaming files or reformatting text—over flashy but unreliable agentic workflows. A major focus is discoverability: helping users understand what AI can do and which model fits each task. Raycast also prioritizes privacy and trust, avoiding invasive data access while enabling personalized experiences. Looking ahead, AI could make software highly malleable, letting users reshape interfaces and workflows on demand. However, consistency remains key—AI excels in exploration, but rigid tasks still require dependable tools. The ultimate vision is system-level AI integration, where natural language becomes a universal interface across all applications.
05:55
05:55
Raycast’s search box became a natural interface for AI prompts after ChatGPT.
11:43
11:43
Users can easily switch between AI models in Raycast due to low switching costs.
19:27
19:27
An intelligent router should choose the best AI model for each task automatically
22:06
22:06
Many AI developers aim for a 100% perfect version, which may be a mistake.
29:59
29:59
AI should allow users to rename files and photos effortlessly through natural commands.
32:35
32:35
AI could make custom software creation effortless and ubiquitous
40:21
40:21
AI is inconsistent for building reliable, rigid software but powerful for open-ended tasks
53:22
53:22
Designers are now becoming half-developers using AI-powered prototyping tools