Is that you, Clippy? Xbox is getting ready to use AI with its virtual assistant

chatbots with artificial intelligence They have become everyday tools thanks to the ChatGPT craze and the like. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are integrated into more and more platforms. One of the next people to do this will be Xboxwhich, according to Edgeis working on such a utility to solve some help and support problems.

If we talk about Microsoft and virtual assistants, it’s impossible not to remember cutting (or Clipo, depending on what country you are in). The archaic Office Assistant, reviled by millions of Windows users in the Nineties, was one of the first attempts to provide assistance to the public through an animated character. It was far from a smart or truly useful option, but the concept behind the tool remains true today.

Redmond residents name their new chatbot for Xbox Animated character with artificial intelligence, capable of responding to user support requests. Journalist Tom Warren even mentions that as soon as he starts, the assistant asks, “How can I help you today?” However, this is where the similarities between this tool and Clippy may end.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that they are internally testing a prototype chatbot called Xbox Virtual Support Agent. The idea is that players can summon it via text or voice, and the animated avatar can respond to queries using information taken from Xbox help documents.

Xbox is working on its own AI chatbot

As mentioned, the Xbox AI chatbot was trained using information available in the platform’s supporting documents. This way, it will be able to offer quick answers to a fairly wide range of queries: from solving software and hardware problems to refunding money for games or subscriptions.

Report Edge indicates that Microsoft is already testing this virtual assistant with help requests related to Minecraft Realms. Although there are no details yet on when this tool will be able to reach the majority of users if it is finally selected for its mass launch.

Aside from the hint that Clippy for Xbox is part of Microsoft, AI-powered chatbots are nothing new. Their use has increased significantly in recent years, with companies using them especially in customer service channels via social media or WhatsApp. However, they do not always give positive results. This year, for example, Air Canada was forced to comply with the refund policy invented by its artificial intelligence.

An animated avatar that responds to user requests. This won’t be Microsoft Gaming’s only commitment to generative AI.. Beyond the Xbox support chatbot, Phil Spencer’s team has more ambitious plans. The use of technology to test games and create content, as well as to bring non-player characters or NPCs to life, is mentioned. But there’s no official word yet on when we might see all of this come to fruition.