Microsoft creates a chatbot and patented the technology that allows people to talk to dead individuals

Microsoft is gaining attention for its new tech creation that allows a person to virtually talk to his or her loved one who passed away already. The tech giant’s developers made this possible by making a chatbot.

The eerie technology

As per CNN Business, Microsoft patented this chatbot last month. Its main feature is allowing a “conversation” with a dead loved one, celebrity, or fictional character. The chatbot is modeled after a specific person, so talking to a deceased individual was made possible.

To get an idea of what this Microsoft’s new patented tech is all about, it was said that this is kind of similar to the fictional app that was shown in the TV series titled "Black Mirror." In the drama, a character was able to chat with her lover, who died from an accident. The things that he was able to say in the “conversation” were pulled from his social media.

With this kind of app, people will be able to talk to John Lennon for music advice or their departed loved ones to reminisce good times together or simply hear their voices once again. Microsoft’s patented chatbot technology will make this possible.

When will it be created and released to the public?

Microsoft received a patent for the company to make use of people’s (or even a made-up character) online info or activities such as social media posts, electronic messages, photos, and voice data, to build a chatbot. The patent also states that there is a provision that lets people train a bot that was made of themselves.

Those who terribly missed their departed loved ones may find this technology a great one. They may be looking forward to the time when Microsoft is ready to release this to the public. However, the tech company stated that it doesn’t have plans of turning this chatbot into an actual product.

Microsoft’s AI programs’ general manager, Tim O'Brien, confirmed via social media post that the company has no plans for this type of bot. He also admitted that, like what many people are saying, he also finds this technology quite disturbing.