Skype launched a new version of the app on Windows 10 and following it was the announcement a new set of 'Skype bots'. These bots are automated chat assistants that pulls in information from other services which include travel arrangements.
Earlier this year, Microsoft's Skype introduced a new Cortana bot platform called 'Skype bots'. During the company's annual BUILD conference, the first set of bots are demoed and showing off the features such booking travel accommodations, adding items to the calendar, or even pre-populating texts on conversations which saves the time spent on typing, Geekwire reported.
The early group of Skype bots can accomplish simpler tasks such as pulling in information from search engines or locating images.The newer expansion of bots shoulders lots of tasks that saves a lot of time. It is one step closer to the promised capacity of the bots, Tech Crunch reported.
The Skyscanner Bot, lets users search for individual or group flights which includes information on pricing and route options. It also provides links where the users can go to for the completion of booking. The Hipmunk Bot offers not only flight info, but also hotel advice which is based on the user's specific preferences such as price or vacation theme.
Another bot introduced recently is the StubHub bot which helps the users find event and concert tickets. The IFTTT bot, on the other hand, funnels information from other apps and services into the user's Skype chat app. The IFTTT Bot is useful in getting alerts, email notifications, social media sites mentions, weather updates, or any other stuff that the user configured.
The final bot added was the Spock. This bot is added just for fun. It allows you to chat with the second-in-command of the USS Enterprise about the ways of the Vulcans.
It is also worth noting that these new bots are not the only ones added to the Skype directory. There are also games, horoscopes and even an automated virtual assistant called Ava Zoom. There is also a bot that understands the content of images, CaptionBot. A scheduling assistanf from Freebusy was also added along with more features.
Microsoft has a total of over 30,000 developers working on the bots which indicates that there will be acceleration in the development of these features.
The newly added bots are now out on Android, Windows, iOS and Mac.
