Microsoft says new chatbot is a 'friend'

Microsoft Corp has unveiled its latest generation of smart chatbot, which can now voice control 35 smart home appliances made by Xiaomi Corp, as part of its broader push to tap into internet of things opportunities in China.

The US tech giant said the fifth generation of Xiaoice, literally translated as "little ice", shows how AI can better serve as a companion for people with its emotional intelligence.

Harry Shum, executive vice-president of Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence and Research Group, said Xiaoice is more of a casual "friend" to chat in a much more fun way. This sets it apart from rival products such as Apple Inc's voice-activated personal assistant Siri which just produces facts or answers questions.