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What you really need to know about chatbots

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Your social feeds will be filled with news from Google I/O 2016 by tomorrow. Talk of artificial intelligence, and specifically, 'bots', could be included. But do you really know what bots are and how they will affect your daily life? You should, because they probably will.

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Looking for weather updates? Use a chatbot. / © ANDROIDPIT

What are chatbots?

Bots are software programs designed to simulate conversations. You send them a query and they send back a specific response based on that query.

They have been integrated into messaging programs such as Facebook Messenger and Telegram via the bots store to provide users with information and content.

For example, if you want quick information about current weather conditions, you can start a conversation with a relevant bot and it should provide you with a forecast. This is where we get the name 'chatbots'.

How much do you already know about bots?
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What could chatbots do?

Imagine that you own a restaurant and have run out of ice. But the restaurant is crowded and your supplier is unavailable. Using a messaging service with a chatbot feature, such as Facebook Messenger or Telegram, you could send a maximum of two or three messages to request a quick delivery.

By using a chatbot, you would no longer need to search for a supplier, contact them, check availability and payment details: this could all be taken care of by the bot carrying out the task on your behalf.

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Consider how many times you access Google's search engine to obtain information and then consider how much more efficient a chatbot could make this system. If Google could merge these two systems together it would be a powerful tool indeed. 

What's next for chatbots?

These ideas are what we hope to see Google CEO Sundar Pichai and his team talking about. As the world's largest search provider, Google could take bot technology to a whole new level. Telegram has made strides in this regard, certainly, but it doesn't offer half of what it has the potential to.

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Chatbots delivering recipes straight to your Android. / © ANDROIDPIT

Facebook recently started investing in bots and claims to have a number of developers working on them right now. But it's Google's years of experience and investment in artificial intelligence that make us most excited.

In fact, you might have been using one of its AI services already: Google Now. The next step is for Google to present a solution to developers, allowing them to make use of Google's search tools in their own chatbots.

The big G may be readying a new messaging service or might just encourage developers to implement more Google services; we don't know yet. But one thing is certain – Google will not let other platforms beat it at its own game. That is, providing content and search services. 

Are you interested in using chatbots?
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So, what is your opinion about Google offering bots for messaging services? Is it something you would make use of? Let me know in the comments. 

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Camila Rinaldi

Camila Rinaldi
Head of Editorial

With over a decade of experience in tech product reviews, I’ve recently embraced the world of wearables and developed a passion for digital health innovations. While I am now deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem, my enthusiasm for Android still burns strong. Formerly editor-in-chief at AndroidPIT and Canaltech in Brazil, I now share my insights with the US audience at nextpit. Beyond tech, I cherish my vinyl collection and believe exploring local cuisine is the best way to discover new places. Join me as I explore the fusion of technology and culture in our everyday lives.

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9 comments
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  • 1
    Ret.nurse Nov 23, 2022 Link to comment

    I have tried chat bots and I don't like them. I'd rather talk with a person. Sometimes it's almost imposible to get to a real person, a real live person.Very annoying and frustrating.


  • 1
    Julian Overman Apr 4, 2021 Link to comment

    Doesn't everyone understand that the more self checkout registers and chat bots and AI technology etc. they keep adding eventually means there will be bare minimum need for humans. Which means these filthy rich corporations get richer and there won't be a need for us with most jobs. Were creating a huge problem with the economy with allot of peoples jobs. Were creating a huge problem in the future in my eyes. Just because we're capable doesn't always mean we should. Just to save some money when these companies are already making a fortune. I'm against all of it. I know the outcome. It's not good.


  • Alyssa Jordan 1
    Alyssa Jordan Apr 30, 2019 Link to comment

    Chatbots help businesses to save on customer service costs by enhancing the response.chatbot allows the users to automate tasks in a hassle-free manner.Chatbots improve the overall customer experience and can process common consumer requests.


    • 1
      SkylaShadows Apr 4, 2023 Link to comment

      ^obviously a bot. Lulz


      • Rubens Eishima 30
        Rubens Eishima
        • Admin
        • Staff
        Apr 6, 2023 Link to comment

        :)


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. May 19, 2016 Link to comment

    Of course there are times when having a actually human to chat to is preferred but for the millions of everyday queries AI and chat bots are the logical step.

    Most companies using bots will have protocols that will transfer the chat to a human for more complicated queries.
    Though as the system continues to learn the need for human intervention becomes less and less.

    If 10.000 contact the bank for statement information it makes sense to have chat bots rather than 5000 customer service agents.

    The only downside is that enviably Jobs will be lost.

    Peace ✌


    • Isaac “Ike” Ah-Loe 5
      Isaac “Ike” Ah-Loe Sep 23, 2016 Link to comment

      bound to happen anyways. capitalism is ded. people need to realize this and plan for the future


  • 8
    Deactivated Account May 19, 2016 Link to comment

    Trust Google? Not really.


  • Alex 17
    Alex May 18, 2016 Link to comment

    whatever it might be I tried chat bots before but I didn't like them I like to chat with real people and wishing to have real chat with people with life !!

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