Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air recently released a new 'virtual assistant' named Jenn to help answer questions about their flights and website. The idea is that you type a question to her about your flight, and then she'll open the page that displays the needed information. Of course, this all assumes that the programmers can predict the questions you'll ask and how you'll ask it. Most people think of avatars like this as annoying and unhelpful, but after my test, Jenn had a surprisingly pleasing voice, and did a pretty good job of answering questions. And, this part is really neat, she opens the appropriate page for you.Here's a funny conversation from The Cranky Flier. Of course, you can always give her a spin yourself. Got a funny set of responses like mine below? Post it in the comments or in this topic in Viewpoint Discussion.
Jenn: Hi, I'm Jenn, your virtual assistant for the Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Web site. If you need help, or have a question, simply type it below.
Me: What color are your eyes?
Jenn: My eyes are hazel.
Me: What are you wearing? I can only see you from the neck up right now.
Jenn: As a virtual assistant, my appearance doesn't matter. But my expertise sure does.
Me: Are you seeing anyone right now?
Jenn: Currently, I am single.
Me: What kind of music do you like?
Jenn: I love all kinds of music. Even the tapping of your keyboard sounds like music to me. Was that "Chopsticks?" How can I help you?
Me: What's your favorite food?
Jenn: I love to eat Copper River Salmon - naturally!!
Me: What do you like to drink?
Jenn: I love a good cup of coffee. My developers must have been hooked on the stuff.
Me: Are you a Democrat or a Republican?
Jenn: Fortunately, we don't have to worry about politics in the virtual world.
Me: Do you have any children?
Jenn: My virtual dog says he would like to have some children to play with, but at this time, I don't have any children.
Me: What's your dog's name?
Jenn: I have a virtual dog named Denali.
Me: So you don't like cats?
Jenn: To end your session click the X in the upper right-hand corner of this window.
Me: Woah, sorry!
Jenn: That's ok, what else can I help you with?
Me: What's your favorite sports team?
Jenn: I leave sports to you in the non-virtual world. But I am amazed by the human and canine athletes of the Iditarod.
Me: What do you like to do?
Jenn: We virtuals don't have too much time for hobbies, but Sergeant Star at goarmy.com is trying to get me into skydiving. I think I'll stick to helping people here.
Me: Where do you live?
Jenn: Right now, it appears I live with you...but don't worry, I won't overstay my welcome! How can I help you?
Me: Where are you from?
Jenn: I like to think I was born in remote Alaska. That's a lot more interesting than being born in a computer. How can I help you?
Me: Do you like Alaska better in summer or winter?
Jenn: I have no favorite season...helping people is always in season, after all. How can I help you?
Me: What kind of plane do you like to fly on?
Jenn: I like all of Alaska Airlines Boeing jets, but the 737-800s may be my favorite. I also have a soft spot for Alaska's custom painted jets like the Spirit of Disneyland, featuring Mickey Mouse, and the Salmon Thirty Salmon. In the Horizon fleet, I like the Bombardier Q400. It's fast and very comfortable.
Me: Would you like to go flying with me? I'm a pilot.
Jenn: Sorry, I don't have any information on that subject. Do you have any travel related questions for me?