Likewise: Bill Gates-backed Pix AI chatbot recommends books

Likewise, the company renowned for its adept app-based recommendations for books, films, and more, has introduced Pix, an AI chatbot tailored to the world of entertainment. Developed through a strategic blend of Likewise’s proprietary customer data and technology from OpenAI, Pix is designed to offer personalised entertainment suggestions and address queries via text messages, emails, the Pix mobile app, website, and even through voice commands on Pix’s TV app.

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Founded in 2017 by former Microsoft communications chief Larry Cohen, with financial support from none other than Bill Gates, Likewise attempts to simplify the discovery process of TV shows, movies, books, podcasts, and more. In a landscape where streaming platforms increasingly incorporate recommendation features, Likewise boasts a rather large user base of over six million registered users, with two million actively engaging each month.

Pix, the latest offering from Likewise, relies on a treasure trove of approximately 600 million consumer data points, complemented by advanced machine learning algorithms and the natural language processing capabilities of OpenAI’s GPT 3.5 and 4. The AI chatbot learns a user’s preferences and subsequently delivers personalised recommendations, mirroring the core mission of Likewise.

Furthermore, Pix proactively reaches out to users when new content matching their interests becomes available. Upon receiving Pix’s response, users will also find a link to a web page offering comprehensive information about the recommended item. This includes a description, rating, reviews, and links to online bookstores for easy purchasing. You can also interact with Pix by sending a text to (877) TEXTPIX or an email to pix@likewise.com, or within the Likewise app itself.

Content recycling and limiting choices

To use Pix, I asked the AI chatbot the question “Can you recommend me good nonfiction books like The Radium Girls?” for example. For my own search request, it did an okay job – not the best – having first of all recommended a fiction book, and it was also Colleen Hoover’s work, which I’ve never been a big fan of. Outside of this, it was fairly spot on, recommending my favourite read of 2017 “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann, as well as “Just Mercy,” “Crying in H-Mart,” and “Into The Wild.”

There’s also a concern about Pix potentially recycling content and choices, depending on the number of books in its system. Moreover, the challenge of inadvertently limiting users to well-known books, potentially undermining diversity, remains a concern.

Accessibility vs. downloading apps: expanding user reach

Pix’s availability across various communication channels, such as text and email, aims to broaden its user base beyond traditional app downloaders. However, challenges persist in striking the right balance between accessibility and user experience. While offering Pix through text and email caters to those who are averse to app installations, the challenge lies in making these alternative communication methods as seamless and user-friendly as the dedicated mobile app. This issue is central to Pix’s strategy for reaching and engaging mainstream users effectively.

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Ian Morris, CEO of Likewise, commented on the advent of personal companions like Pix, stating, “While AI chatbots have deservedly captured the public’s 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 available now and, notably, is free to use. The company generates revenue through its ad-driven model, facilitating content discovery alongside featured products and services from sponsors. In a world increasingly dominated by AI-driven recommendations, we will have to wait and see how this pans out for book lovers.