Alice Teams Up with MAX Messenger
Access to Yandex’s neural network has now been built directly into MAX via a special chatbot, opening up a wide range of new tasks that users can solve inside the messenger.
Expanding the platform’s capabilities
For MAX developers, one of the top priorities has been integrating the messenger with multiple services, transforming it from a communication tool into a universal platform for daily tasks.
This week, MAX received a major update. Together with Yandex engineers, the team rolled out access to the Alice neural network. Users can connect to Alice through a dedicated chatbot at https://max.ru/alice. A similar bot is also available on Telegram.
Working with text and images
Inside MAX, users now have access to responses from Alice powered by Yandex’s most advanced generative model, YandexGPT 5.1 Pro—the same engine that drives the Alice app and website at https://alice.yandex.ru. For complex, multi-step tasks, a “reasoning mode” can be launched. It supports scenarios involving calculations, analytics, logic, or creative ideas—for example, preparing a research paper or essay.
Alice also continuously tracks the context of ongoing conversations, producing more precise answers. If the discussion shifts to a new topic, the bot can be instructed to clear the previous context, ensuring that old information doesn’t interfere.
Through the messenger, users can upload a text file and ask Alice to analyze it, extract key points, answer questions, or even rewrite it as a social media post. Beyond text, users can also work with images. Alice can describe photos or answer questions about them—for instance, a student might snap a picture of a math problem and ask for an explanation.
In addition, MAX supports AI-powered image generation. Alice can create a custom avatar, postcard, icon, interface element, or sticker design. To do this, a user simply types “Draw” or selects the relevant menu command, then specifies what should be depicted. The more detailed the request, the better the result.
Competing with global platforms
The collaboration between MAX and Yandex is designed to boost the appeal of Russian platforms at a time when local digital infrastructure is becoming a national priority. The new chatbot provides direct access to YandexGPT 5.1 Pro’s full suite of tools. Since July, most of these features have been made available free of charge—a strategic move to attract users who had relied heavily on foreign neural networks.
Developers promise further upgrades, though no specifics have been disclosed yet. Likely additions include functions of an AI agent, now in testing, that allows users to assign Alice real tasks—such as assembling a grocery basket from online stores. Another possible feature is “animating” static images, already available in the Alice mobile app: upload a picture, describe a storyline, and the AI generates a short 4-second video.
A mutually beneficial partnership
The integration of Alice into MAX was a logical step given recent updates to both platforms. On one hand, it expands Alice’s reach; on the other, it adds unique tools to MAX that may attract new users. This is particularly relevant now, as MAX is experiencing a surge in popularity. As of mid-September, the messenger had more than 35 million users.
For now, the focus is on the Russian market, where efforts are underway to build a self-sufficient national digital ecosystem. However, an international rollout to friendly markets is possible down the line. By that point, MAX will likely have an extensive toolkit that will strengthen its competitive position abroad.
