introduced its new Messenger Platform on stage during its . With the platform, developers can build AI-powered bots for that the company thinks will remove the need for some mobile apps, particularly those dealing with commerce.
Using 1-800-Flowers as an example, Facebook demonstrated how a commerce-focused bot in Messenger could work. You can place your order with that company's bot, rather than through an app or the web, and pay using your stored payment information in Messenger. It also showed off a CNN bot that sent new digests that could become more personalized over time.
Facebook's announcement comes as bots are becoming an increasing focus for a number of companies. Microsoft recently announced its own AI-powered bot platform, and Messenger rival Kik last week.
