User Client Technology news

Mobile devices are playing an increasing role in the lives of millions of people across the world, across all generations. As more and more online technologies deploy into the mobile realm, Virtual Agent technology is following this trend. Apple’s implementation of Siri, the voice-to-text virtual assistant feature they have added to the iPhone 4S, opened the world’s eyes to mobile virtual agent technology. Android also has added Vlingo, a similar feature that combines voice-to-text and voice recognition technology with its powerful “intent engine” to help users complete their desired action.

Ecreation, an interactive media agency, introduced www.chatbot4u.com. By using this new service, now anyone can create a virtual chat partner, by following a few simple steps. These so-called chatbots can be used on websites, in social media and on instant messengers. Chatbot4U offers entertainment for consumers and interesting opportunities for businesses.

Don’t be surprised if your child creates his/her first conversational agent earlier than you! Researchers from DevTech Research Group at Tufts University made it possible…

Google Labs has initiated a new project called Google Talk Guru, a so-called search engine chatbot. It sounds promising; however at this stage you can only enquire about 7 topics:

noHold, developer of the most interactive and diagnostic Virtual Agent technology, has the ability to embed a Virtual Agent directly into social media platforms, Facebook integration for ViewSonic serves as the first example.

As social media increasingly becomes a hub for customer interaction and support, noHold aims to help businesses cover these channels with Virtual Agent implementations. With a few simple lines of code, the same Virtual Agent that runs on a company website can assist end-users within their favorite mode of social media, such as Facebook. This provides end-users with an extra layer of interactivity and support, without the time needed to implement a second Virtual Agent.

InteliWISE, a leading provider of Virtual Agent solutions for customer support and e-commerce sales support, announces its launch of an intelligent Tab Widget with its virtual chat agent.

Spike is more than a mascot, he’s an expert. Mobile enhancement puts Gonzaga University’s Bulldog on the cutting edge of customer self-service. Gonzaga University and software company Next IT announced the launch of a Virtual Agent capable of responding to questions over the mobile phone via SMS Text, allowing students to get the answers they need anytime, anywhere.

Gonzaga University’s mascot, Spike, is an online Virtual Agent that answers questions about campus life. And now, thanks to an enhancement in his core technology, he will respond to questions about the university via text message as well.

On the Web or via mobile phone, “Ask Spike” allows users to type-in any questions they have about Gonzaga, just as though they were having a chat with an actual person. Text your questions from your mobile phone to 699247 (MYZAGS) to try it. Spike quickly returns the answer they’re looking for, along with additional links to information that may be of use. He’s knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, easily answering questions about everything from where to find a bite to eat, how to get in-touch with a community service organization, what time different facilities such as the library open, and more.

Kate is a virtual customer-service representative created to help people visiting the AT&T Premier Store. The Premier Store is where AT&T Business Customers and Individual Responsibility Users can manager their accounts and shop online for great deals on the latest wireless devices, plans and accessories.

The future of chatbots is just starting to unfold. Numerous applications are developed and one of Chatbots.org objectives is to find and test new chatbots and their capabilities.
For example, I have tested every chatbot compatible to America Online’s Instant Messenger which are displayed at AIM’s online gallery.

GG Pro, the professional version of the IM client Gadu Gadu,  is a feature packed, multi protocol instant messenger (ICQ, MSN, Skype, Gadu-Gadu and Jabber ready) for enterprises. It offers shared contact list and chat history, SSL encrypted communication and chat statistics. It enables fast and intuitive IM contact between all the employees, allows creating secure (encrypted with SSL) private and business chats and conferences using one of many protocols.