Facebook announced the launch of its bots store in April, and m-commerce start-up Spring was one of the first businesses demonstrated using it.
Already live in Messenger, it operates as a very simple conversation based on a series of multiple-choice questions: “Hey Alan! What are you looking for today?” Spring asks, before providing numerous buttons to direct your responses. That conversation continues through product category, specific products, price point you’re willing to spend, and eventually, a carousel featuring five items you might want to buy.
Bots on the platform can perform a range of functions, everything from tracking sports games, to ordering clothes, managing personal finance apps, booking a flight or playing a game.
Bots can remove the need for people to download new apps on their phones to access services and help make communication with businesses more convenient and organized.
It’s a clear step for the future. As Mark Zuckerberg said: “I’ve never met anyone who likes calling a business, and no one wants to install a new app for every business they want to interact with.”
So...would you give up on this?
Written by: Claudia
