Twitter, Kik and GroupMe users in the U.S. can now access Tay, an AI chatbot created by Microsoft Research. The company has quietly launched Tay on those three social networks, targeting the 18-24 year old crowd.
Microsoft previously launched a chatbot, XiaoIce, in China in 2014. Like Xialoce, Tay was created to give users "casual and playful conversation". It's official website offers examples of the kinds of things users can ask Tay, such as "Tell me a joke" or "What's my horoscope today?" Tay can also play games and will even comment on pictures that users sent it. Tay is also designed to offer smarter and more personalized conversations as it learns from its past chats with humans.
In terms of privacy, Microsoft says:
Tay may use the data that you provide to search on your behalf. Tay may also use information you share with her to create a simple profile to personalize your experience. Data and conversations you provide to Tay are anonymized and may be retained for up to one year to help improve the service.
In order to chat with Tay on Twitter, all you have to do is tweet at @TayAndYou. Kik Messenger users can go to kik.me/tay. GroupMe users will have to download the app, then select or create a new group, add some friends and then search for "Tay" to begin chatting.
