TikTok tests AI chatbot "Tako" with select PH users

TikTok says it is in the early stages of testing its AI chatbot "Tako" with some Filipino users.

File photo: TikTok

Enhancing TikTok experience

According to a report by Reuters, TikTok said its AI chatbot was designed to help users discover “entertaining and inspiring content” on the short-form video platform.

In select markets, we're testing new ways to power search and discovery on TikTok, and we look forward to learning from our community as we continue to create a safe place that entertains, inspires creativity, and drives culture, a TikTok spokesperson said when asked about Tako.

However, it did not say why the Philippines was selected.

This comes amid the race to develop features based on AI. TikTok’s rival Snap Inc also has its own "My AI" which is powered by ChatGPT technology.

Based on the disclosure filed with the US patent and trademark office, TikTok submitted a trademark application for "TikTok Tako" in categories including "computer software for the artificial production of human speech and text."

Israeli-based company Watchful Technologies earlier said it found Tako on some versions of TikTok on Apple mobile devices.

Materials shared by the intelligence firm to Reuters showed that the chatbot features TikTok’s ghost-shaped icon. Users can tap this while watching content to have text-based conversations and get assistance in finding content.

Watchful researcher Daniel Buchuk said that compared to all-purpose chatbot ChatGPT, Tako feels more like a navigation assistant as it encourages users to watch more videos.

US media in April reported that TikTok was experimenting with a generative AI tool that will allow users to create avatars.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is also working on a large AI model. However, it does not offer AI chatbot features on Douyin, its Chinese equivalent of TikTok.

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Via: Reuters