Kik embraces AI with bot store launch
Messaging app Kik is embracing one of the hottest technology topics of the moment, artificial intelligence, with the launch of a new bot store.
The Kik Bot Shop will serve as a hub for users and developers to create and share AI powered tools capable of conversing with humans through text messages and performing basic web tasks.
To get the ball rolling Kik has teamed up with a range of partners including Funny Or Die, The Weather Channel, and Vine to introduce 16 individual bots capable of retrieving information, tracking down GIF’s and even offer makeup advice and play games.
In a blog post Kik explained: “We wanted to find a way to get more out of chat without adding to the clutter or detracting from the simplicity of the experience in Kik. We’ve found that bots offer a great low-friction way to do that. There’s nothing to download, no new registration required, and you can use an interface you’re already familiar with: chat."
Increasingly messaging apps are opting to take advantage of recent advancements in natural language processing to build in smart assistants capable of performing simple tasks such as ordering food, shopping and automating responses.