Social network Facebook has unveiled "M," its personal assistant that will be in direct competition with Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. However, it differs from its rivals' versions in that artificial intelligence (AI) learning and human input power the tech company's service.
The social media giant is now running trials for M, which will be built into Facebook Messenger. It will be able to answer questions and perform tasks such as buying birthday gifts and reserving a table at a restaurant.
David Marcus is the Messenger products' vice president. He announced the new personal assistant service on his Facebook Page.
Marcus contrasted M with other AI-centered services in that it can complete tasks for the user. That includes tasks such as booking restaurants, having gifts delivered, and making travel arrangements.
However, Facebook's software is unique in that it learns the human assistants' patterns. Then it answers more complex queries than iOS Siri and other rival services.
The company did not announce when M will be available to all Facebook users, according to Inquirer.net. However, Marcus explained that it will make Facebook users more efficient so they can focus on other urgent tasks.
M's unveiling is the latest move by the social network to earn revenue from Messenger. That is by making businesses its target market.
The social network announced its Business on Messenger service earlier this year. Users can use the app to receive information from businesses related to issues such as shipping status updates. While using the chat software they can also ask questions and make requests.
Facebook Messenger was launched in August 2011. Over 70 million people worldwide now use the service, according to NDTV.