Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke at the social network's F8 developer conference on April 12, Tuesday. The company's co-founder announced the new Messenger Platform for building chatbots, described a solar-powered drone for beaming Internet connectivity to remote areas, and discussed the company's development of artificial intelligence (AI) for applications including photo recognition. Facebook's chief executive also shared the company's plans for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) that includes Oculus tech in Gear VR headsets, and new AR smart glasses.
At F8 Zuckerberg also criticized people who call for building walls and support divisiveness among people. He said that if the world tries to shut out others then it is important for the Facebook community to bring people together. This seemed to be verbal jab at United States presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Zuckerberg also shared that the company is developing AI to understand user content better.
Facebook's CEO reported that users of Gear VR have watched over 2 million hours of VR video. The Samsung headset uses technology from Facebook-owned Oculus VR.
Zuckerberg also shared the company is working on AR glasses that look regular eyewear, according to CNBC. However, digital elements can be placed on top of real-world visuals.
In addition, Zuckerberg announced that Messenger Platform is a new developer tool in its beta stage that uses natural language for direct communication with people. He explained it would end the need to install a new mobile app for different businesses and services.
Zuckerberg said the social network believes people should be able to message businesses like they message friends, according to USA Today. He joked that people would not have to call 1-800-Flowers to order flowers from the company.
Facebook Messenger reaches 900 million people every month and over 50 million businesses use the instant messaging (IM) tool.
Analysts believe that Facebook's Messenger and WhatsApp could generate billions of dollars in new yearly income if tons of businesses use the IM software to sell their products and services. Messenger chief David Marcus admits that Facebook has not yet focused on making money on Messenger.
Youssef Squali is global head of internet and media research at Cantor Fitzgerald. He told CNBC that Facebook's new tech would create a portal for communicating with businesses directly.
Here's an F8 update: