Pool App Turns Screenshots into Searchable, Actionable Memories

Pool’s new iOS app, called Pool, uses artificial intelligence to sort and index screenshots in a phone’s Camera Roll, turning static images into searchable “pools” that link back to their original web sources [2].

Key takeaways

• Pool automatically categorizes screenshots into personalized pools after gaining access to the photo library [2].
• The AI can trace each screenshot to its source, converting product images, recipes, or event tickets into clickable links [2].
• The app was built by Maxime Junique and Piet Terheyden, who first prototyped it in Lisbon three years ago while living out of a van [2].
• Pool is positioned as a dedicated screenshot organizer, distinct from link‑bookmarking tools like mymind, Fabric, or Raindrop [2].
• The founders previously created B2B SaaS products, including the CRM Waitless, which was acquired last year [2].

AI‑Powered Organization of Screenshots

Pool distinguishes itself by focusing exclusively on screenshots rather than general images or bookmarks. After users grant the app permission to read their photo library, it scans the Camera Roll and creates custom categories—called “pools”—based on the types of content each user saves, such as products, recipes, travel ideas, or quotes [2]. The AI then analyzes each screenshot, identifies its original context, and provides a direct link to the source website or service. For example, a screenshot of a product will open the retailer’s page, while a recipe captured from Instagram will display the full ingredient list and instructions [2]. This transforms a cluttered collection of images into an actionable reference library.

From Van‑Life Prototype to Market Launch

Co‑founders Maxime Junique and Piet Terheyden first built a prototype of Pool about three years ago while sharing a van in Lisbon. The initial version was created in a few weeks but was set aside as the duo shifted focus to building profitable B2B SaaS solutions, including the CRM platform Waitless, which was later acquired [2]. The resurgence of the project came after they recognized that recent advances in AI could finally make sense of large, unstructured personal data sets like screenshots. They describe the dataset as “super untapped, unexplored” compared with more commonly analyzed data such as emails or chat logs [2].

Why it matters

Pool addresses a common pain point: users accumulate hundreds of screenshots—recipes, product ideas, event tickets—only to lose them in a crowded Camera Roll. By converting these images into searchable, link‑enabled entries, the app promises to improve personal productivity and recall. Its launch on iOS marks the first dedicated solution for screenshot organization, potentially setting a new standard for how mobile devices manage visual information. Future updates may expand platform support or integrate deeper with browsers and note‑taking apps, but the initial release already showcases how AI can turn everyday digital clutter into usable memory.