WhatsApp Developing AI-Powered Features: Text Rewriting and Voice Calls with Meta AI

WhatsApp Could Soon Bring AI Rewrite and Meta AI Calls Features

WhatsApp could also add a two-way live voice chat feature for Meta AI WhatsApp for Android is reportedly working on two new artificial intelligence (AI) features that could offer newer ways of interacting with the app. As per the report, the instant messaging platform is working on an AI-powered Rewrite feature that can transform a typed message across different styles. The feature is also said to proofread users' messages before they send them. The platform might also be developing a two-way live voice chat feature for Meta AI, offering users a hands-free experience while interacting with the chatbot. According to an Android Authority report, the messaging platform might be gearing up to introduce a text-rewriting feature that is powered by AI. The publication uncovered the new feature during an Android application package (APK) teardown of the app. It was reportedly spotted in the strings of code of WhatsApp for Android version 2.25.8.5. Since it is not a visible feature, users will not be able to test it out just yet.' The AI Rewrite feature is said to be available as a floating action button (FAB) with a pencil icon just above the Send button. The button reportedly appears only after the user types something in the text box in either chats or a group. After a few words have been written, users can reportedly tap the pencil icon to access a text editor. There, users are said to be able to apply one of numerous text rewriting options. As per the report, the rewriting options offered by the feature include Funny, Proofread, Puns, Rephrase, Sarcastic, Shorter, Spooky, and Supportive. Among these, the Proofread option is said to fix spelling and grammatical errors in the message, while the rest change the tonality of the text. Separately, WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo claimed in a post that the instant messaging app is working on a new enhancement for Meta AI. Currently, users can interact with the chatbot to have text-based conversations, ask queries, find information from the web, generate images, and even share prompts as voice messages. However, it is not possible to have a two-way voice chat with the AI. This could change in a future update. The feature tracker spotted a new call-like interface for Meta AI in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.7 update. However, since it is also under development, beta testers will not be able to use it. Based on screenshots shared by the feature tracker, the Meta AI interface will automatically start a call-like session once the feature goes live. Users will have the option to switch to text-only mode or to just have the AI speak verbally while the user sends text messages. The two-way live voice conversation feature appears to be similar to Gemini Live. WABetaInfo claims users will be able to continue the conversation even when the app is in the background and the user switches to another app. Additionally, a mute button can also be seen which would let users mute their audio in noisy environments. Users will also have the option to end the call at any given time. Notably, in September 2024, the company unveiled the Meta AI Voice Chat feature with celebrity voices. However, it was essentially a text-to-speech (TTS) enhancement, and not anything similar to ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode. It is unclear if the reported feature is just a redesign of that, or will also offer a more human-like voice chat experience.

You Could Soon Make Voice Calls to Meta AI on WhatsApp

This feature is currently under testing for a limited number of users. Meta AI is probably one of those features on WhatsApp that you either can't live without or really don't care for. Well, if you are in the former camp, then there's some good news for you: The company is now testing the ability to have a call-like voice session with the Meta AI bot on WhatsApp. According to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.25.8.7 for Android reveals that the app will soon let you engage with Meta AI in a one-to-one voice session. Similar to ChatGPT Voice where you can get real-time replies. However, what's interesting here is that you can continue your conversation even when you exit WhatsApp. As you can tell from the attached screenshots, you will see a notification informing you of the ongoing conversation when you exit WhatsApp. This is similar to how you get a persistent notification when you browse other apps while on a call. You can tap the mute option to pause the interaction or disconnect anytime you want to end the voice chat. This new addition will make Meta AI more useful and an interactive experience as opposed to a typical chatbot which it is as of now. This feature is currently under testing and hence rolling out to a limited number of users. I can't help but notice that Meta is further increasing the prominence of Meta AI on WhatsApp. They are already working on a dedicated tab for AI on the app, and testing the ability to let you create your own AI personalities, as discussed in our January features list. What are your thoughts on this new feature? Let us know in the comments below.