Microsoft’s Chinese chatbot XiaoIce now using “full duplex voice sense” in technology breakthrough

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Published onApril 4, 2018

published onApril 4, 2018

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Microsofttoday sharedthey have reached a technological breakthrough by developing a new way to allow people to have a more natural conversation with an AI-powered chatbot. The breakthrough happened in China, where the XiaoIce Microsoftchatbot can now operate in “full duplex voice sense” by listening to a user, digesting the information, and then responding more naturally at the same time.

Microsoft says that the advancements means the chatbot is also able to predict what the person talking will say next. Microsoft’s Li Zhou, engineer lead for XiaoIce, says this is a common skillset natural to us humans, but not yet common to chatbots. See a sample conversation in action below with the Xiamo Yeelight smart speaker.

More than 200 million people have used the XiaoIce Microsoft chatbot, providing the necessary knowledge base for such a breakthrough. This is not to be confused with productivity assistants like Cortana, which are designed to help assist with tasks. The XiaoIce chatbot can engage in interesting banter with people, much like you would with someone you know in person. Microsoft is working to apply the same technology to Microsoft Zo here in the United States, so best to keep tuned for more in the months ahead.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Microsoft’s Chinese chatbot XiaoIce now using “full duplex voice sense” in technology breakthrough