Search engine results can now chat to computer users

Microsoft has started testing search engine results that can chat directly to users. The company wants developers to create custom chatbots that can be added to search listings on Bing. Users will be able to ask the bots for basic information about venues such as restaurants and cinemas, such as opening hours and parking information. They're powered by Skype, and the functionality has already been rolled out to a small number of venues, including a restaurant in Seattle called Monsoon. Unfortunately, at the time of publication, the chatbot didn't actually allow me to submit any questions.