Meta preparing to launch chatbots with personas - FT

Investing.com -- Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is preparing to release new artificial intelligence-powered chatbots that have different personalities, according to a report in the Financial Times, as the Facebook parent attempts to boost user engagement.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the paper said Meta is working on prototypes that can carry on humanlike conversations. Some versions of the AI, known internally as "personas," can take on various characters, the FT added. Sources also told the paper that Meta is exploring one chatbot that speaks like Abraham Lincoln or another that gives travel advice in the style of a surfer.

The chatbots, which the FT said could be launched as soon as September, are being designed to create a new search function and offer recommendations.

Meta declined to comment to the FT.

The report comes as the Menlo Park, California-based tech giant has been facing fierce competition to attract users and keep them engaged with its platforms. Like other Silicon Valley players, Meta is also in a race to develop - and ultimately profit from - AI technology.