Yelp has announced a new AI-powered chatbot aimed at consumers and designed to help them communicate with relevant companies to complete their tasks.
Yelp is deploying an AI assistant in its iOS app under the Projects tab. Support for Android is planned to be introduced later this year. The Yelp chatbot uses large OpenAI language models along with the company's own data to ask users about their issues and connect them with appropriate professionals to get the job done.
Instead of using a traditional search window to find various specialists to solve a problem, the user can describe the problem directly in the chat interface. The Yelp Assistant determines the zip code and asks additional questions to gather more information to create a project. The user will be able to see messages from professionals about their projects when the bot sends them information. Users can respond to these conversations with a custom response or use the app's quick reply feature.
Yelp is also introducing a new Project Ideas section to encourage users to start a new project that may involve searching for services on Yelp. Some of the current suggestions include home decor, installing new lighting in the home, and upgrading outdoor spaces. Later this summer, the company will make this feature more personalized with recommendations and checklists.
"Artificial intelligence allows us to change how people discover and connect with local businesses. Yelp Assistant radically changes the rules of hiring service providers, reducing the difficulties for consumers in finding the right professional for their needs, while providing professionals with the information necessary to assess and secure work," said Craig Saldanha, Yelp's Product Director.
Furthermore, to make the bot more accessible to consumers, the company is also launching an API. This will allow developers of other sites to embed an AI-based bot for business search. Users visiting this third-party site can request suggestions from the chatbot, for example, "A place for vegan breakfast open this Saturday at 9 am" or "Recommend a good workout studio with a pool in Miami".
The bot will provide relevant suggestions with useful information, including Yelp ratings, prices, key review points, photos, and AI-generated business resumes.
Source: techcrunch
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