Otis Chandler, co-founder of Goodreads, has just launched a fresh venture: Smashing, an AI-powered app designed to help people find high-quality web content rather than books. This new app, currently available on iOS and the web (in beta), aims to foster a community of readers and information seekers interested in a broad array of content types, from news articles and blog posts to social media and podcasts. In many ways, Smashing feels like Goodreads reimagined for today’s media landscape, offering users curated feeds tailored to their specific interests—like tech, politics, or health—as well as highly specialized niches, such as specific sports teams or individual stocks.

One of Smashing’s standout features is its AI-powered “Questions” tool, which offers an engaging twist: users can interact with stories in different ways. Want a breakdown of how different political views interpret the same story? Smashing’s AI provides perspectives from both sides, allowing readers to see the full spectrum of opinion. Curious about a financial topic? The app can produce both the bull and bear perspectives on a stock. Chandler envisions Smashing as an antidote to polarized and algorithm-driven news bubbles, providing users with varied viewpoints to help them make well-rounded judgments.

The app also allows users to curate feeds based on their preferences. Using signals like reader upvotes, trending content, and personal preferences, Smashing customizes the feed to highlight stories likely to match each user’s unique tastes. In a way, Smashing merges traditional content curation with the interactivity of social media, all wrapped in an AI-driven experience that aims to spotlight meaningful content, not just viral hits.

Since its soft launch, Smashing has drawn notable early interest with thousands joining the waitlist. Chandler believes that Smashing’s tech and human-centered recommendations can bridge the gap between individual preferences and the web’s overwhelming content flow. With the media landscape facing challenges, from shifts in social media platforms to Google’s and Meta’s algorithm changes impacting publishers, Smashing aims to give users control over how they consume news and information.

For now, iOS users can dive into Smashing, with a web version in the pipeline. It’s an ambitious and timely project, marrying Chandler’s community-building expertise from Goodreads with a tech-driven approach suited for today’s fast-paced digital world.