We’ve been slowly testing and releasing access to our WAP Chat virtual agent (retail) demo.  The idea of attaching a 2D or QR Tag within Twitter, to trigger the mobile web page seemed like something worth trying.

The nice team over at Microsoft Tag sent the above Tweet back to us.

We’re presuming the “OH” is an expression of extreme, all-caps exclamation — not the typical “OH” (overheard)!

The Panel consisted of those in robotics, “intelligent” ad placement engines and utilitarian “personal assistant” apps that acquire realtime knowledge from partner domains and reshape it for the End User. All very interesting and robust technologies.

However, what was lacking was any discussion re: the “human” side of Artificial Intelligence and the extensive business applications that open up when AI is focused on simulated humans, not only on data retrieval and data driven response.

Historically, it’s been chatbot and IVR platforms that have sought to carve out limited business apps based on (mainly) pre-scripted customer service products with some level of natural language processing; it was interesting that there were no companies represented on the panel from that side of the coin – However the Moderator did open with a statement about how there “…should be an AI TWITTER character on the panel.” (if he’d only asked, we’d have provided one).

To emulate humans and “connect” with the End User AI character/agents must engage in story. Humans relate and respond to one another through story…it’s how we remember. Creating AI characters in a story environment is an interdisciplinary craft that has AI technology at it’s heart, but requires additional features and skills. Why do humans spend so much time watching television (old tv or internet tv), movies, reading or re-telling the events of the day over dinner? The need for “story” remains essential to the human experience. Interaction with AI characters in a story-based context delivers extensive and valuable business applications for AI.

People are attracted to good stories. And, they enjoy re-telling them (stories are viral).

When we consider how Mobile and Retail In-Store relationships between Brands and Consumers will evolve, particularly with mobile devices, we think about connecting and engaging the Consumer by bringing them into the story making process. This creates a memorable and impressionable experience that goes beyond the transfer of data. It fulfills an essential need for story-based communication. For transplatform story and media properties the inclusion of User conversation and engagement is a unique tentacle to add into the matrix.

Will machines will be perceived as human as they become great story tellers?

contentAI studios have story and character “overlay engines” that work in conjunction with the core artificial intelligence engine; when combined, they create fascinating storydriven conversational experiences that are rich in knowledge and can also connect on a near-human level.

The conversational experiences are further enhanced through the sourcing of real time data via 3rd party APIs or other processes, as well as the inclusion of “memory fields” to personalize each conversation. The AI “characters” we create are multi-dimensional and deliver an End User experience that simulates human interaction; all drivenby a core AI conversational engine that continues to self evolve and evolve through new programming initiatives.

We thrive on interdisciplinary AI technologies and techniques. That’s our story.

22 September 2009

We can do this.

We can create an AI character for you that is specifically based off of that person or team you’ve wanted to clone.

Our “content shaping” with Artificial Intelligence requires the “human touch” both in terms of writing, tone and information — collectively, the “substance.”   We can create AI “characters” that incorporate the best qualities of a “real” person (or Team), and provide that same experience to all Customers.

We add the perk of “memory fields” so that our “character” relates to each Individual customer on a personal and intimate level.  They can be set to remember each User’s name and even preferences.

So, next time you’re thinking, “if I could only clone…” — Well, get in touch with us.

12 August 2009

10 August 2009

50% is easy, it’s User Generated.

On average, a “character/story” will be 25%  scripted to “shape” the conversational experience.

The balance of 25% is AI-powered and unscripted.

Therefore, 50-75% of a simply structured Twitter Conversation will be unscripted between the AI engine and User Content.

In testing and developing structures for AI Interactive Conversations within Twitter, we decided to test a fairly simple structure, where we “push” storyline at pre-determined intervals, though less structured (both random and intuitive) features can be integrated readily.

We think of this as a “conversational JibJab-ish” experiment toward engaging Users.  We see a lot of “branded conversational” Content on the horizon.   We think this can be an entertaining “experiential ad unit” that Users will look forward to.  How often do you get a personalized @ reply within :90 seconds?

Launching Character #1 on TWITTER — because we missed her “real” Tweets so much…

contentAI studios is pleased to present:

@saruhAI (send “her” an @saruhAI message and she will reply!)

Enjoy.

7 August 2009

There’s a lot of talk about Twitter ad-units these days. And, we’re seeing the obvious attempts to migrate ad formats from other mediums to the micro-blogging space — generally attempts to fit one model into another medium fail or are met with a high degree of End User dissatisfaction.

Failing a better term, we think our Conversational AI ad-units for Twitter are “organic” with the End User experience — they don’t disrupt or clutter — they encourage engagement and conversation.

1.  We can “push” messages outside of conversation, including TwitPic image links (digital coupons)

2.  Above, we are pulling data from Wikipedia, in real-time, and also (in real-time) delivering a Twitter friendly TinyURL link (Response time above is :01 minute)

3.  For Brands, we can source any specific web data for their AI characters and campaigns

4.  The inclusion of “conversational” dialogue completes the circle and is distinctive in the Twitter User experience

5.  Important to bring up other features:  AI character “remembers” individual Follower memories based on predefined fields (i.e. “name” “likes” etc.), and backend engagement metrics include tracking for market research and polling.

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We believe this is the most organic, engaging and highest value for the End User ad format/brand engagement unit within Twitter. We’ll be opening up other interactive entertainment formats within Twitter soon too.

31 July 2009

So, of course, we say, “why not?”

We decided to open up the original beta bot “JEENEY” (@jeeneyAI) to converse with Users via Twitter.

It’s a lot of fun.

Unlike most ‘Tweets, this is far more conversational;  Users receive replies, typically in under :90 seconds (sometimes instantly).

While this distribution offering is in Beta, while we determine server specs, etc., we’re only providing private beta invites to hang out with @jeeneyAI — the first conversational AI character to ‘Tweet.  CONTACT US if you’d like an invite.

ASIDE: We are well aware of the obvious concerns this will raise.   We believe there are great opportunities for creative stories, characters and Brands connecting with Users through this format.

16 July 2009

The term “Content” has become synonymous with film, video, audio and written media materials.

We chose the URL and Brand “contentAI studios” to expand the definition of “Content” to include conversation.

Conversation between humans (User Generated Content, “UGC”) and digital characters powered by Artificial Intelligence engines.

Welcome to the intersection of UGC and digital characters. 

Where the User becomes part of the story making process.

8 July 2009