Slack is introducing a significant upgrade to its built-in assistant, Slackbot. This update will transform the tool from a basic notification system into a sophisticated artificial intelligence companion. The new AI-powered Slackbot aims to enhance workplace productivity by assisting users with complex tasks, information retrieval, and scheduling.
Key Takeaways
- Slackbot is evolving into a personalized AI assistant.
- New capabilities include creating custom plans, searching across channels, and scheduling meetings.
- The AI assistant can gather information and organize complex project details.
- Natural language search will allow users to find documents more easily.
- Data privacy is maintained through Amazon Web Services' virtual private cloud.
- The feature is currently being piloted and is expected for general release later this year.
Next-Generation AI for Workplace Productivity
The updated Slackbot will offer a range of advanced functionalities. It moves beyond simple reminders and notifications. Users can expect the AI to create custom plans tailored to their workspace needs. It can also sift through large volumes of messages and gather information from various Slack channels. This aims to streamline daily operations for teams.
Rob Seaman, Slack's Chief Product Officer at Salesforce, highlighted the transformation.
"Slackbot today is fairly rudimentary," Seaman stated. "But what we've done is we've actually rebuilt it from the ground up as a personalized AI companion." This rebuilding effort focuses on creating a more intuitive and helpful experience for users.
New User Interface and Interaction
During the pilot phase, the enhanced Slackbot will appear as an icon. This icon will be located next to the search bar at the top of the workspace. Clicking this icon will open a direct message-like panel on the right side of the screen. Users can then enter prompts into this panel.
Fact Check
- Current Slackbot: Primarily handles reminders and notifications.
- New AI Slackbot: Functions as a personalized AI companion.
- Availability: Currently in pilot with Salesforce employees and select customers.
- Full Rollout: Expected for all users by the end of the year.
Examples of prompts include "What are my priorities for today?" or "Find the latest updates on a project." The AI Slackbot will draw from a user's conversations, files, and overall workspace data. This ensures that the assistance provided is personalized and relevant to the individual's work context.
Advanced Task Management and Information Retrieval
A demonstration viewed by The Verge showcased the AI-upgraded Slackbot's ability to handle complex tasks. One example involved organizing a product launch plan within a Slack Canvas. The AI achieved this by gathering relevant information from multiple Slack channels. Another demonstration showed the AI helping to create a social media campaign, adapting to a brand's specific tone.
Perhaps one of the most beneficial new features is the AI Slackbot's natural language search capability. This means users no longer need exact keywords to find documents or information. Instead, they can ask questions in a conversational style. For instance, a user could ask, "Find me the document that Jay shared in our last meeting." The AI will then process this request and retrieve the relevant file.
Integration with External Calendars and Existing AI Features
The new Slackbot will also integrate with popular external calendar services. These include Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar. This integration will enable users to coordinate and schedule meetings with colleagues directly through Slackbot. This streamlines the process of arranging team collaborations.
Background Information
Slack has been progressively adding AI-powered features to its platform. Existing functionalities already allow users to summarize lengthy threads and channels. The platform can also decode company-specific jargon. These features aim to reduce time spent on information processing and increase efficiency.
Rob Seaman noted that Slack will continue to implement these "little touches" where they improve user experience. The goal is to save users clicks and simplify their workflows. Importantly, Slackbot's existing features, such as automated messages and custom functions in response to commands, will remain available alongside the new AI capabilities.
Data Security and Enterprise Control
Companies using Slack will have the option to opt out of the AI Slackbot feature. However, individual users within a workspace will not have this option independently. Slack's approach to AI features emphasizes data security and privacy. According to Seaman, all AI functionalities operate through Amazon Web Services' virtual private cloud.
This setup means that no data leaves the firewall. Furthermore, no user data is utilized for training the AI models. This commitment to data isolation aims to reassure businesses about the security of their sensitive information when using the AI assistant.
Pilot Program and Future Rollout
The upgraded Slackbot is currently in a pilot program. Approximately 70,000 employees at Salesforce, Slack's parent company, are already using the new feature. Slack is also testing it with a selection of other customers. The company plans to introduce the new AI Slackbot to all users by the end of the current year. This phased rollout allows for feedback and refinement before a broader release.
This development marks a significant step for Slack in integrating advanced AI into its collaborative platform. It reflects a growing trend in business software to leverage artificial intelligence for enhanced productivity and user experience.