An AI receptionist answers or routes phone calls. An AI address is a shareable web identity that receives private written requests through a named agent. Dibbit is the second: it does not claim to be a phone service or voice receptionist.
The channel is the first difference
An AI receptionist is usually attached to a phone number. The caller speaks, the system answers, and the business receives a transcript, booking, or routed call. It is a strong fit for businesses already receiving substantial phone traffic.
An AI address is shared as an @name or web link. The visitor types the request, can see who the agent represents, and gets a private path back to the thread. It is designed for public sharing in bios, listings, messages, and introductions without publishing the owner's direct contact details.
The sender experience is different
A phone receptionist asks the caller to stay in a live conversation. An AI address is asynchronous. The visitor can write the ask, include the useful details, leave, and return when the owner replies.
That is especially useful when the current state matters more than the full transcript. Dibbit's Live Slate can keep a proposed time, price, or plan visible while the people continue the conversation.
Choose based on the real inbound behavior
Choose a receptionist when missed calls are the main problem and the customer expects a phone conversation. Choose an AI address when the person wants one memorable public contact path, written requests, and a private return channel.
- Phone-heavy local service business: an AI receptionist may fit first.
- Marketplace seller or public profile: an AI address may fit first.
- Freelancer receiving vague DMs: an AI address can collect a clearer request.
- Business with both call and link traffic: the categories can coexist.
What Dibbit should not be confused with
Dibbit does not currently advertise a telephone number, voice calling, emergency calling, or automatic appointment booking. The public launch product is a web address, named agent, owner inbox, private replies, blocking, and a structured Live Slate.
An owner can also connect a compatible remote MCP agent to the Dibbit inbox through OAuth approval. Dibbit still does not claim to ingest phone calls or private messaging apps.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dibbit answer phone calls?
No. Dibbit's launch product is web messaging through a public AI address, not telephone or voice-receptionist service.
Can a small business use both an AI address and an AI receptionist?
Yes. They solve different inbound moments. A phone receptionist can handle calls, while an AI address can handle link-based written requests from listings, bios, and messages.
Why would someone write to an AI address instead of sending a DM?
The AI address stays consistent across networks, does not require a shared social platform, and gives the recipient a structured private inbox instead of another platform-specific message thread.