Messaging app Kik opens chatbot store

Messaging app Kik has launched an online store for chatbots, to allow brands to talk to users via bots. Chatbots - computer programs designed to simulate conversation with humans - are increasingly being seen as a key way to engage customers. Kik, which has 275 million users, has signed up 16 partners including make-up store Sephora and The Weather Channel. Microsoft opened a chatbot store last week and Facebook is expected to follow suit. In Kik's store, users will be able to download bots for entertainment, customer service and shopping.