Universe, the innovative no-code mobile website builder, has exciting news: it has introduced an AI-powered website designer, called GUS (Generative Universe Sites), in its beta phase. With GUS, users can effortlessly construct and launch their personalized websites directly from their iOS devices.
When using GUS, users will find themselves in the familiar Universe grid editor, but instead of starting with a template, they begin a text conversation with GUS to kickstart the website creation process. GUS initiates by asking, "What kind of website would you like to build today?" Gathering initial details from the user, GUS delves deeper, inquiring about specific design preferences, color schemes, and the number of desired pages.
Once GUS comprehends the user's vision for the website, it generates a fully editable layout, allowing users to effortlessly make manual adjustments without dealing with any code. For example, if GUS selects an image that the user wishes to change, it can easily be replaced with a different one. Once the user is satisfied with the design, they can promptly publish their website.
Joseph Cohen, the founder and CEO of Universe, expressed their mission to empower everyone to build the internet, and with the addition of Generative AI in GUS, they take this goal to a whole new level. Cohen stated, "Just tell GUS what's in your mind, and it'll build it for you." The GUS beta is now available to all users on their iOS app, aiming to provide design support and confidence to individuals from various domains, be it tattoo artists, general contractors, students, pragmatists, or visionaries, enabling them to claim their unique corner of the internet using the device they carry in their pocket every day.
Universe is currently offering the GUS beta to all users who update their Universe app on iOS. However, recognizing the need for broader accessibility, Universe has plans to extend the GUS experience to the web in the near future, enabling users without an iPhone or those who prefer desktop access to utilize GUS's capabilities.
This new tool by Universe bears a resemblance to Wix's recently launched AI Site Generator, unveiled earlier this month. With this tool, users can simply describe their intentions, and it will generate a complete website, complete with a homepage, inner pages, text, images, and business-specific sections like events and bookings.
Both Universe and Wix share a common goal: to assist small and medium-sized businesses in launching and maintaining websites that drive sales, a process that can often be challenging. According to a survey conducted by Top Design Firms in 2022, nearly 27% of small businesses still lack a website, with low traffic, the incorporation of "advanced" functionalities, and cost being the primary obstacles they face with their websites.
While these products cater to business owners, they are also designed for anyone seeking to create a website with ease. Universe, in particular, emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility in web design and sees GUS as a significant milestone in that journey. Their press release states that GUS's AI-powered capabilities open doors for individuals from all walks of life to bring their creative visions to life on the digital canvas.
Founded in 2014, Universe has successfully secured $47.3 million in funding to date, with its most recent Series B round in December 2021 raising $30 million from investors such as Google Ventures, Javelin Venture Partners, and Box Group. Prior to that, Universe closed a $10 million Series A round from Google Ventures in April 2020.
