Meet Facebook’s hybrid virtual assistant M

It’s like Siri and Cortana but not really. It’s more than that. At least, that’s what Facebook claims its new virtual assistant is. It’s genderless for one, making it more like Google Now than the aforementioned assistants from Apple and Microsoft. Another is it doesn’t just purely rely on AI; there’s a human element to it at the moment. Called the M trainers, these people make the tough call when a request seems too complicated for the AI. The service is being tested now around the Bay Area in the US and Facebook hopes to bring this to all Messenger users.

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Facebook introduces a Donate Now button for non-profits

Facebook is making it easier for you to donate to your favorite cause. The social network now has a new Donate Now button that can appear in both the non-profit's page and ads that show up around the site. The link will take the pains out for you having to look for a way to back a non-profit. They are rolling it out slowly though so it might take some time before you see the button on your feed. 

Source: Facebook for Business | Via: Engadget 

Facebook tipped to be developing breaking news notification app

To get the breaking news on your mobile device, there’s Twitter or the other newsreaders like Flipboard. But it looks like Facebook plans to enter the game as well. Rumour has it at Facebook is developing a news app that pushes breaking news notifications and links to your mobile device. The app will have you subscribing to the news feeds you like and when breaking news comes in, the app will send push notifications your way. You’ll get a 100-character blurb and a link to the article on the publication’s site. We’re not sure if we need an app to do this, but if this is something you might be interested in. We’ll keep you posted on any confirmations or updates.

Source: Business Insider | Via: Engadget

Facebook reportedly getting into the personal voice assistant game

Apple's Siri, Google Now, Microsoft's Cortana, BlackBerry's Assistant and now.... Facebook's MoneyPenny. Derived from the famous James Bond Character, Monnypenny is expected to be Facebook's take on the personal voice assistant. 

Facebook is researching the feature but not as an all-ecompassing AI but more for helping users complete tasks like buying products and services online. The new assistant is being tested in house and while no specific features haven't been revealed it is intriguing to see where Facebook can take this technology on mobile devices and on the web.