AI Workflow Tool Relay Shuts Down, Staff Joins Google Chrome

Relay, a workflow automation tool that launched in 2021, is ceasing operations. The company announced that customer access will be terminated soon, with paying customers losing access on September 14 and free customers having already lost it as of August 15.

Jacob Bank, Relay's founder and CEO, is returning to Google to take on a new role. He will serve as VP of Product for Google Chrome, leading product and developer relations. Bank expressed enthusiasm for bringing his AI productivity tool experience to a broader audience within Chrome.

Bank's prior experience includes over six years at Google, where he worked on products like Gmail and Google Calendar before leaving to start Relay. His return to Google signals a continued focus on AI integration within the Chrome browser, with Bank hinting at "ambitious plans" to enhance user workflows with AI agents.

This development follows Google's ongoing integration of AI technologies, such as Gemini, into its core products, including search and Chrome. The company has reported significant user adoption for these AI features.