Facebook Messenger Has 11K Bots: Should You Care?
By Richard Saintvilus
Facebook, Inc. (FB) last week said it now has 11,000 chatbots on its FB Messenger platform. The social media giant also disclosed that more than 23,000 app developers have already signed up to support and make applications for Messenger’s bot engine. This is a striking milestone, considering it has been only a couple of months since Facebook unveiled the chatbot function. But does it matter?
What Can Bots Do For You?
The chatbots, when integrated with the Messenger app, can allow users to conduct transactions and receive various forms of information without having to download a separate app. Think of the storage space you’ll preserve on your smartphone or tablet. This is because the bots, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and natural-language processing, can function as real-life personal assistants. (See also: Facebook Messenger Now Let’s You Send Texts.)
Facebook understands that if the bots can provide users with access to e-commerce transactions and things like sports scores and local entertainment, users would never have to leave the platform. Keeping users engaged will help it sell more ads. David Marcus, head of Facebook’s Messenger platform, recently discussed the ability of bots to send not only video, audio and GIFs, but also the ability for users to speak with each other via suggested “quick replies.” (See also: Facebook Messenger Launches Group Calling.)
To that end, while it’s going to take Facebook more time to fine-tune the artificial intelligence layer of its bot platform, the company has more than 23,000 app developers and tons of support from third-party apps. To date, Facebook has received interest from the likes of Bank of America Corporation (BAC), eBay Inc. (EBAY), CNN and even the National Basketball Association, which are all looking to reach some of Messenger’s 900 million-plus active users.
Search giant Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) has made it known that it wants to solidify its position with artificial intelligence. To the extent Facebook’s Messenger bot platform continues to grow its enrollment in the developer network, this could leave fewer developer interested in Google’s AI platform. Same thing applies with Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).
The Bottom Line
Facebook wants its platform to be both more immersive and functional. The opportunities and directions chatbots can give are seemingly endless. And the importance of its app developers will play a major role in helping Facebook’s bots drive higher user engagement. This means the company may have found yet another way to make its platform, which is already addictive, more indispensable.
Read more: Facebook Messenger Has 11K Bots: Should You Care? (FB, GOOGL) | Investopedia http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/070516/facebook-messenger-has-11k-bots-should-you-care-fb-googl.asp#ixzz4DYXo3wPI
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