Automattic debuts a platform to deploy vibe coding apps amid a changing internet

Summary

• Automattic, the owner of WordPress.com, launched a new service called Spacefast to deploy vibe-coded websites and apps.
• Spacefast provides infrastructure for vibe-coded apps including databases, authentication, file uploads, emails, and analytics.
• The product allows users to connect with various agents and chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, Hermes, OpenClaw, Grokbot, Muse, Pi, Cursor, Opencode, Amp, or link a Git repository.
• Batuhan Icoz leads the product, which originated from a company hackathon sprint where he worked on the Beeper messaging app.
• Icoz developed the solution to offer an alternative to Cloudflare by utilizing Automattic's existing Content Delivery Network.
• Automattic soft-launched the product in September to gather feedback before the official launch.
• Users have utilized Spacefast for internal mockups, slideshows, and offer-related websites.
• Spacefast competes with Lovable, Emergent, Figma, Canva, and Notion.
• Icoz states Spacefast offers users the choice of their preferred agent and solution method.
• The service integrates web analytics, WordPress, and WooCommerce e-commerce features to compete with other platforms.
• Automattic aims to address enterprise IT sprawl by consolidating marketing team landing pages.
• Icoz anticipates user churn as some individuals may not be interested in building apps long-term.
• The company acknowledges that AI chatbots are reducing website traffic and changing how sites are deployed.
• Automattic recently experienced leadership changes including the temporary removal of CEO Matt Mullenweg, the replacement of the board, the departure of an interim CFO, and layoffs.