Facebook Messenger is quickly becoming a ubiquitous platform for messaging with friends, and the social media giant's new chat assist service aims to add some intelligence to the app. Chat assist, currently available in the US only, will recognize certain words and phrases and give prompts to users.
The chat assist system has several different actions that it can conduct. For instance, if users are sending messages to one another about exchanging money -- say, for a rec league team -- chat assist will automatically highlight the dollar figure and let users set a reminder to pay it. It can also create ad hoc polls within Messenger. For example, if the rec league chat is discussing what color jerseys they should wear, chat assist will recognize that and automatically create a poll with the suggested color options.
Messenger-Based Payment Reminders
Facebook Messenger's 'Chat Assist' Set Automatic Reminders
Trend Themes
1. Messenger-based Payment Reminders - Facebook Messenger's chat assist feature creates an opportunity for businesses to integrate payment reminders within the messaging space.
2. Automated Poll Creation - Chat assist's ability to create polls highlights potential opportunities for businesses to automate engagement with their customers through the app.
3. Intelligent App Assistance - Chat assist's use of certain phrases and actions demonstrates a trend towards intelligent apps that can enhance user engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Finance - The ability to conduct payment reminders through Facebook Messenger highlights a trend towards the integration of banking and messaging systems, which could disrupt the finance industry.
2. Sports - The ad hoc poll creation feature within Messenger could offer innovative engagement opportunities for sports teams or fantasy leagues.
3. Retail - Intelligent app assistance like chat assist could revolutionize the retail industry by streamlining communication with customers and increasing personalization.