Yelp launches AI chatbot, calling services and menu scanning

Yelp has launched a comprehensive AI update featuring an upgraded chatbot, AI-powered phone services, and a new menu scanning feature called Menu Vision. The platform’s push into artificial intelligence reflects the growing integration of AI tools across consumer services, as companies seek to enhance user experience and provide more personalized business interactions.

What you should know: Yelp Assistant, the platform’s chatbot, now works across all business categories and remembers user preferences and past queries.

• The upgraded chatbot draws information from business websites and other Yelp user posts to provide more comprehensive responses.
• Users can manage their saved information through Yelp Assistant memory settings in the app.

New AI calling services: Yelp is rolling out two distinct AI-powered phone services targeting different business needs.

• Yelp Host specifically serves table-service restaurants, handling reservations, booking changes, and special requests for $149 per month, or $99 monthly for existing Yelp Guest Manager customers.
• Yelp Receptionist manages calls for any eligible local business, with subscriptions starting at $99 per month and rolling out this week.

Menu Vision launches: The new camera-based feature transforms how users interact with restaurant menus by providing instant visual information.

• Pointing a smartphone camera at any menu item displays photos of the dish along with specific reviews about that particular item.
• Menu Vision will be available on both iOS and Android apps starting this week.

The bigger picture: Yelp has been steadily expanding its AI capabilities, having previously introduced Review Insights in December and announcing calling features in April.

• This latest update represents the company’s most comprehensive AI integration to date, spanning chatbots, voice services, and computer vision technology.
• The move positions Yelp to compete more effectively with other platforms incorporating AI-driven personalization and business services.