At Microsoft Build today, Microsoft open-sourced the NLWeb, a new project that drastically simplifies the creation of AI-powered chatbots for web applications. This competitive funding program reduces the burden on developers to create cohesive and intelligent systems. Opening of these systems will dramatically improve harms to user experience on the web.
The tech behemoth claims that NLWeb will transform the very nature of the internet and beyond. In short, it will revolutionize the landscape just like HTML did to web development. Microsoft stated, “We believe [NLWeb] can play a similar role to HTML for the agentic web. [It] allows users to interact directly with web content in a rich, semantic manner.” This worldview emphasizes what NLWeb could have on the usability and interactivity of web platforms and pages.
Rumors suggest that OpenAI was a major force behind the early creation of NLWeb. As part of this work, they brought on imaginative partners with them such as Condé Nast, Redfin, Eventbrite, and Priceline. The Information first covered OpenAI’s involvement with NLWeb last November, highlighting the project’s ambition and scope. Now, only months later, NLWeb might be on the precipice of broader adoption.
Microsoft had given TechCrunch advance access to press materials about NLWeb, allowing for an in-depth look at the project’s capabilities and features. Kyle Wiggers, TechCrunch’s newly appointed AI Editor, explained why this launch is such a big deal for the rapidly changing world of web technology.
Anastasia Usenko photo depicting robot, taking customer service calls. This creative image couldn’t be a better fit for NLWeb’s focus on enhancing the customer experience using AI.
Developers are just beginning to understand the possibilities that NLWeb opens up. We can’t wait to see how OpenAI’s vision for the project grows and changes! With copilot technology, Microsoft’s strategy is shaping the future of chatbot innovation. Continuous changes here will directly shape how companies roll chatbots out across their sites.