Microsoft expands presence of AI platform Xiaoice

Microsoft Corp is partnering with Chinese tech heavyweights such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd to expand the presence of its smart chatbot Xiaoice in both hardware and software.

The move is part of the United States company's broader efforts to establish a beachhead in new-generation artificial-intelligence-enabled human-machine communications.

Harry Shum, executive vice-president of Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence and Research Group, said Xiaoice - which literally translates as little ice - has gained about 660 million users worldwide by using its emotional intelligence capability to offer consumers a more natural experience.