Microsoft is Also in The AI Race, Thanks to Its Chatbot That Can Converse Like A Real Person

Microsoft wants to prove the world that they are also a major playmaker in developing programs powered by artificial intelligence through its own talking bot that can carry out human-like conversations.

Recently, many tech companies have announced their own efforts in developing AI-powered services. One of the most notable technologies announced is the Google Duplex. But CNET also noted that Microsoft has the perfect answer to that through their own Xiaoice AI chatbot.

In the first-ever demonstration of Google Duplex, many were amazed at its ability to execute tasks on behalf of a real person. During Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s presentation at the Google/IO earlier this month, it was showcased how Google Duplex can call a hair salon to book an appointment and keep up with the conversation until the task is fulfilled. What made it seem like more of a real person-to-person interaction was Google Duplex’s believable use of filler words that one would not expect from a talking machine.

However, CNET noted that Microsoft’s Xiaoice is likely to become a key addition to the whole development of AI technology. It is reportedly able to maintain a phone conversation with a human and think of its responses ahead while the real person is speaking.

Microsoft EVP for artificial intelligence and research Harry Shum also discussed the prospects of Xiaoice during the company’s AI Innovate event in China this week. AI-powered assistants are known for their accuracy in carrying out tasks. But Shum emphasized that Xiaoice differs from other AI assistants like Alexa and Siri because of the balanced IQ and “emotional intelligence” it has.

In a blog post, Shum said, “Xiaoice has the ability to have human-like verbal conversations, which the industry calls ‘full duplex.’” He also revealed that the talking AI bot has already communicated with at least 600,000 humans since its launch last August.

What’s next for Xiaoice? Shum confirmed that Microsoft is on its way to expanding Xiaoice’s reach by introducing its full duplex features to app developers and users.