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Google reportedly working on A.I. boosted messaging service

New service will feature chatbot assistant to help you get things done

Google is a major player in most Internet categories, but when it comes to messaging, its Messenger and Hangout services aren’t nearly as popular as top rivals. But the company has something new – and smarter – in the works.

That’s according to the Wall Street Journal, which reports that Google is working on a mobile messaging app that will use artificial intelligence to do more than the average rival. The report says that you’ll be able to ask the A.I.-powered chatbot to scour the Internet to answer queries, making it more useful than a common chat app.

Upon first blush, that sounds a fair bit like what Facebook is doing with its M virtual assistant within Messenger. Still apparently in testing, Facebook’s M uses artificial intelligence to answer queries and even make purchases on your behalf – but it also is supported by humans who work alongside the A.I. to ensure accuracy.

There’s no word on whether Google’s app will have a similar hybrid approach, but the report says it’ll also let you text friends from within the app, making it seem like an all-in-one solution for messaging needs. Google will also reportedly let third-parties develop their own chatbots to integrate within the service, allowing more options for users.

Google has reportedly been working on this advanced messaging option – which could well replace Messenger outright – for at least a year now, although there’s no known timeframe for a release. With a smarter service, can Google pull away users who are deeply entrenched in Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp? It’s a tall task, but if any company has the resources to give it a good shot, it’s Google.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Profile image of Andrew Hayward Andrew Hayward Freelance Writer

About

Andrew writes features, news stories, reviews, and other pieces, often when the UK home team is off-duty or asleep. I'm based in Chicago with my lovely wife, amazing son, and silly cats, and my writing about games, gadgets, esports, apps, and plenty more has appeared in more than 75 publications since 2006.

Areas of expertise

Video games, gadgets, apps, smart home

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