The company responsible for an app that offers recommendations for your next TV series binge, movie night, podcast listen, or reading material has launched its entertainment-focused AI companion, Pix, today. Pix was created through a blend of Likewise’s own customer data and technology from their partner, OpenAI. It can provide entertainment suggestions and answer inquiries through text messages, emails, or by interacting with Pix through its mobile app, website, or even via voice commands with Pix’s TV app.
Established in 2017 by Larry Cohen, former Microsoft communications chief, with financial support from Bill Gates, this recommendation startup aims to simplify the process of discovering new TV shows, movies, books, podcasts, and more. Users can also follow fellow users and create lists of their favorite recommendations to share. While many streaming services now include recommendation features, Likewise boasts a registered user base exceeding 6 million, with over 2 million active monthly users.
To develop Pix, the company harnessed approximately 600 million data points from consumers, coupled with machine learning algorithms and OpenAI’s natural language processing technology, including GPT 3.5 and 4. Pix learns each user’s preferences and tailors personalized recommendations to them, similar to Likewise. Additionally, the chatbot notifies users when new content matching their interests becomes available.
To engage with Pix, you can pose questions like “Can you suggest a suspenseful movie on Prime or Hulu?” or “What’s a gripping novel similar to The Silent Patient?” You can communicate with Pix via text at (877) TEXTPIX or through the Likewise app.
When Pix responds, it will include a link to a webpage providing information about the recommended item, including a description, rating, reviews, and, for movies and TV shows, a trailer to watch. Users can also directly stream the recommended content through Likewise if they decide to do so.
By offering Pix through traditional communication channels like text or email, the company aims to broaden its appeal to mainstream users who may not regularly download apps but are interested in trying out this new technology.
Ian Morris, CEO of Likewise, shared, “While AI chatbots have rightfully captured public attention, personal companions like Pix will soon make AI practical for each of us, every day.” He added, “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.”
Pix is now available and free to use, with the company generating revenue through an ad-driven model by helping consumers discover new content alongside featured products and services from sponsors.
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