TikTok is set to launch its own AI assistant 'Genie' to boost user interaction and communication

The video sharing platform TikTok is preparing to launch its own dedicated smart assistant, according to a recent patent filed in the US, as reported by the US news site Semafor.

The report states that the platform is seeking to register the trademark "Genie" for its upcoming smart assistant, which will allow users to ask questions directly while browsing content in order to receive immediate answers, in addition to other functionalities.

According to Semafor, the popular platform will make its smart assistant capable of performing many complex tasks such as "simulating conversations, facilitating interaction and communication between humans and artificial intelligence, and producing human-like texts and speech."

Through "Genie", TikTok aims to transform its platform into a major center based on artificial intelligence, as the smart assistant will work to connect users to the various elements of the application.

In fact, TikTok has been working on developing a dedicated smart assistant for some time, as its users in the Philippines were granted access to an assistant named "Toka" in May of last year, but it was designed only to guide users to other videos within the app, and not to respond to more complex inquiries.

"Genie" will also offer other features including an AI-powered search, which is already available in the Chinese version of the app "Douyin."

The upcoming AI capabilities will also enable the creation of personalized virtual characters for users that can conduct live streams within the app.

The platform may also provide its own "StreamVoice" system, which can simulate people's voices based on just a few spoken words.

TikTok is also working on developing other tools for creating audio and video content from text prompts.

This step comes at a time when the company faces the possibility of being sold or banned early next year, after US president Biden signed a law on the grounds that the platform poses a threat to the country's national security. TikTok is opposing the law in US courts, claiming it is unconstitutional.