Airbnb adds AI search and social features

Airbnb is adding AI-powered property search and social features as part of a fall product update that also expands services available through its app.

In select locations, users will be able to book meal delivery, laundry, baby gear, ski and boat rentals. Airbnb is also expanding grocery delivery. The company introduced its services push last year.

With the new AI search, users can enter text or voice prompts after switching on a toggle. The app then suggests filters based on their preferences. For example, a search for “baby” can bring up filters for cribs, playgrounds, children’s books and toys. AI-generated summaries and reviews will also help users compare properties saved to their wishlists.

CEO Brian Chesky told TechCrunch that Airbnb is beginning its work on AI search and plans to iterate on it over the coming months. He said the challenge is building a search tool that does not hurt conversion on a platform with $100 billion going through it.

Social features will let travelers view a map of friends’ and connections’ past or upcoming trips, including where they stayed and which experiences they chose. Users can opt out of sharing their trips. Airbnb is also building neighborhood pages using guest reviews and other sources to help people find places to eat and things to do.