Disney+ and ESPN have begun limited tests of AI-assisted search and discovery tools. Both experiments let selected users describe what they want in natural language instead of navigating only through fixed menus or title searches.
The Disney+ test accepts typed requests, voice input and suggested prompts. A subscriber could ask for a family movie night, something comfortable to watch or another choice based on the mood of the moment. The recommendations are meant to respond to that immediate request even when it differs from the subscriber's usual viewing history.
ESPN Search answers sports questions
ESPN Search is available in beta to a subset of users. It can answer sports questions and return related articles, videos, statistics and recommendations.
The answers draw from ESPN articles and videos, research, sports metadata, internal knowledge repositories and structured sports data. One example answers a question about the NBA's all-time assists leader and offers related prompts.
Both tests remain limited
Disney is using feedback from the beta groups to refine navigation, results and recommendations. The experiments place conversational tools inside the existing Disney+ and ESPN experiences rather than introducing separate apps.
The Disney+ test follows a broader app plan detailed in July, including expanded recommendations, short-form video and deeper Hulu and ESPN integration.
Source: The Walt Disney Company's August 6 overview of the Disney+ and ESPN beta tests.
Image credit: The Walt Disney Company.