Introducing a New Era in Personalized Entertainment Recommendations
The company behind the popular app that recommends your next TV binge, movie to watch, podcast to stream or book to read has launched its own entertainment-focused AI companion, Pix. Built using a combination of Likewise’s customer data and technology from partner OpenAI, Pix can make personalized recommendations and answer other questions via text message or email, or by communicating with Pix within the mobile app, website, or even by speaking to Pix’s TV app using a voice remote.
A Brief History of Likewise
Founded in 2017 by former Microsoft communications chief Larry Cohen with financial backing from Bill Gates, the recommendations startup aims to offer an easy way for people to discover new TV shows, movies, books, podcasts, and more. While today, recommendations are often baked into the streaming services or apps we use to play our entertainment content, Likewise maintains a registered user base of over 6 million, with more than 2 million monthly active users.
How Pix Works
To build Pix, the company leveraged around 600 million consumer data points along with machine learning algorithms and the natural language processing technology of OpenAI’s GPT 3.5 and 4. The AI chatbot learns the preferences of individual users and provides them with personalized recommendations similar to Likewise itself. In addition, the bot will reach out to users when new content becomes available that matches their interests.
Using Pix
To use Pix, you can ask the chatbot a question like "Can you recommend a scary movie on Prime or Hulu?" or "What’s a thrilling novel similar to The Silent Patient?" These questions can be posed to Pix by sending a text (877) TEXTPIX or email pix@likewise.com, as well as in the Likewise app. When Pix responds, it will also include a link to a web page that offers information about the recommended item, including other details like a description, rating, reviews, and for movies and TV shows, a trailer to watch.
Benefits of Using Pix
Offering the AI chatbot over more traditional communication methods like text or email could broaden its appeal to mainstream users who aren’t in the habit of downloading apps but still want to try out the new technology. "While AI chatbots have deservedly captured the public’s attention, personal companions like Pix will soon make AI practical for each of us, every day," said Ian Morris, CEO of Likewise, in an announcement.
Pix: A Free-to-Use Entertainment Companion
Pix is free to use as the company generates revenue through its ad-driven model by helping consumers discover new content alongside featured products and services from sponsors.
The Future of Personalized Entertainment Recommendations
With Pix, users can now access personalized entertainment recommendations anytime and anywhere. This marks a significant step forward in the development of AI-powered personal companions that will soon make AI practical for each of us, every day. As Ian Morris noted, "Likewise is thrilled to introduce Pix, a true personal entertainment companion that is available anytime and anywhere to help all of us find our next favorite TV show, movie, book, or podcast."
Conclusion
The launch of Pix marks an exciting new chapter in the development of personalized entertainment recommendations. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interface, Pix has the potential to revolutionize the way we discover new content. As AI continues to advance, it’s clear that personal companions like Pix will play a significant role in making AI practical for each of us, every day.
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