In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at elevating the messaging experience for Filipino users, Rakuten Viber has joined forces with AI studio Inflection to introduce Pi — a personal AI assistant — directly into Viber chats. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of conversational AI in enhancing digital interactions and reflects Viber’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.
Pi, which stands for Personal Intelligence, is designed to offer empathetic and supportive interactions with users, thanks to its cutting-edge technology powered by Inflection’s Inflection-2.5 large language model. This model, renowned for its competitive performance on industry benchmarks, enables Pi to combine emotional intelligence with analytical capabilities, providing users with personalized assistance and support.
Filipino Viber users can now rely on Pi for a wide range of tasks, from seeking advice and information to engaging in casual conversations. Whether users are navigating career changes, pursuing health goals, or simply seeking companionship, Pi is available around the clock to lend a helping hand.
To enhance the user experience further, Pi-inspired stickers are being made available to all Viber users in the Philippines for the next three months. These stickers, featuring expressive and supportive messages such as “I can help” and “Hi friend,” aim to foster positivity and connectivity in conversations.
Rakuten Viber’s integration of Pi into its platform aligns with its strategic vision of becoming a super app, offering users a comprehensive suite of services and features. From essential communication tools to entertainment options like Backstage Pass and a diverse collection of stickers and GIFs, Viber continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of its users, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to leverage digital solutions for growth.
“Rakuten Viber has always been committed to democratizing access to powerful and at the same time easy-to-use communication capabilities for smartphone users around the world. By welcoming Pi on our platform, we are taking another important step in this journey – to introduce powerful and highly conversational AI assistants to millions of users for the first time in their lives,” according to Atanas Raykov, VP of Global Marketing & Growth at Rakuten Viber.
The introduction of Pi also reflects a broader trend of growing interest in AI among Filipinos, with a recent survey indicating that approximately 70% of respondents are eager to learn more about artificial intelligence. With Inflection’s extensive backing, including investments from major players such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Bill Gates, and Eric Schmidt, Rakuten Viber is well-positioned to lead the way in integrating AI seamlessly into everyday digital interactions.