3 Sources
3 Sources
[1]
WhatsApp is testing Meta AI voice chat with real-time conversations - Phandroid
WhatsApp is testing a new Meta AI voice chat feature for Android that lets users hold real-time conversations with Meta's chatbot. The feature is rolling out to select beta testers in version 2.25.21.21, according to a WABetaInfo report. You can launch voice mode by tapping the waveform icon inside a Meta AI chat. You can also set it as the default mode in Voice Preferences under Settings, though it only works in the Chats tab for now. In the Calls tab, the Meta AI icon automatically changes to a waveform. Tapping it starts a voice conversation by default. This aligns with how the Call tab normally functions. Once activated, the voice chat interface shows suggested topics to help spark conversation. A collapse icon in the top-left lets you minimize the chat and continue talking while using other apps. Ending the session is simple -- tap the X, exit the chat, or begin typing to switch back to text. WABetaInfo previously hinted at deeper Meta AI integration in WhatsApp. There were also early reports suggesting Meta's chatbot would offer more personalized responses in the future. In the US, WhatsApp already uses AI to summarize long message threads. With voice mode, Meta AI becomes more accessible and flexible. You're not just chatting anymore, you're talking, hands-free, with full background support. This test suggests WhatsApp is gearing up for a much tighter integration with Meta's AI tools. And with the Meta AI voice chat feature shaping up nicely, it may not be long before we see a broader rollout.
[2]
Meta AI on WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Have Real-Time Voice Chats
Meta AI is said to show suggested topics while in the voice chat mode WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature for Android users that will allow them to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. As per a feature tracker, the new artificial intelligence (AI) feature is now rolling out to select beta testers, and allows users to either directly initiate voice chat or switch to it while within the chatbot's interface. The real-time voice chat feature is said to also come with continuity capability, and users can talk to the AI while WhatsApp runs in the background. According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform has begun testing Meta AI's voice chat mode with some beta testers. The new feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.21 update. This feature was first mentioned in a March report, when the Meta-owned company was still working on it. Based on screenshots shared by the feature tracker, it appears that the voice mode feature comes with a lot of flexibility and personalisation options. Users can start two-way voice conversations with Meta AI by entering the chat interface and tapping on the waveform icon. Alternatively, they can also go to Settings and navigate to Voice Preferences to automatically enter voice mode when opening the chat interface. This option is disabled by default, and is only applicable for the chat tab. On the other hand, when a user is on the Call tab, the Meta AI icon is said to automatically change to the waveform icon, and users will initiate a voice conversation with the chatbot by default. This was likely done to synchronise it with the Call tab's functionality. When in the voice chat mode, users will also see new suggested topics at the centre of the chat interface. This is added to help users get started with a conversation. The voice mode is also accompanied with a collapse icon located on the top left side. Just like collapsing WhatsApp calls with another user, this takes the voice chat to the background, allowing users to open another app while continuing the conversation. WhatsApp is said to be offering multiple ways to end the voice conversation as well. They can either tap the X button located at the bottom or navigate outside of the chat interface. Alternatively, they can also begin typing a message in the text field to switch to text-mode. In case users are unsure whether the call is still ongoing, they can always check via the call's notification alert and Android's microphone alert indicator.
[3]
Meta AI may get voice upgrade on WhatsApp: Here's how the new chat feature may work
Android's microphone indicator ensures transparency, and users can mute or end calls anytime. Amid the growing popularity of Meta AI, WhatsApp is now reportedly testing a new feature that will allow users to initiate real-time voice chats with the chatbot. The new feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.21.21 and is rolling out to select users via the Google Play Store, introducing a dedicated voice interface designed to mimic a call-like experience with the AI assistant. According to WaBetaInfo, users will be able to start a voice conversations with Meta AI by tapping the waveform icon in the Chats tab. There is also a setting that, if enabled, launches the voice chat automatically when the AI chat window opens; however, this is disabled by default. Users can also initiate a voice chat directly from the Calls tab by tapping once. When it starts, users using the Meta AI through voice can expect a consistent, hands-free experience even when multitasking. A collapse icon lets the session continue running in the background, allowing users to interact with other apps while maintaining the voice conversation. The new design aims to make AI support more accessible and streamlined, specifically during activities like reading, browsing, or taking notes. Also read: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price drops by Rs 30,000 on Flipkart: Check deal details here Further the report stated that the new voice interface will support media sharing via quick-access icons for the camera and gallery, with future updates potentially including support for additional file types. Furthermore, the report stated that the feature would protect users' privacy by utilising Android's system-level microphone indicator, which typically displays a green dot in the status bar to alert users when the microphone is active. Users can mute the microphone and end the session at any time using on-screen controls. In terms of rollout, the feature is currently only available to beta testers, but an official timeline has yet to be announced. It is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
Share
Share
Copy Link
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI, enhancing the chatbot's accessibility and functionality.
WhatsApp is testing a groundbreaking feature that allows users to engage in real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. This new functionality, currently available to select beta testers on Android, marks a significant advancement in how users interact with AI chatbots within the popular messaging platform
1
.Source: Phandroid
The voice chat feature can be activated in multiple ways:
2
Once initiated, the interface displays suggested topics to spark conversation. Users can minimize the chat while continuing to talk, allowing for multitasking across different apps
1
.Source: NDTV Gadgets 360
The feature aims to provide a hands-free, call-like experience with the AI assistant. Users can share media through quick-access icons for the camera and gallery, with potential support for additional file types in future updates
3
.Privacy is a key consideration, with the feature utilizing Android's system-level microphone indicator. This displays a green dot in the status bar when the microphone is active, ensuring transparency. Users have the option to mute the microphone or end the session at any time using on-screen controls
3
.Related Stories
This test suggests a deeper integration of Meta's AI tools within WhatsApp. The voice mode makes Meta AI more accessible and flexible, transforming the interaction from text-based chatting to hands-free conversations with full background support
1
.Previous reports have hinted at Meta's chatbot offering more personalized responses in the future. In the US, WhatsApp already utilizes AI to summarize long message threads, indicating a trend towards increased AI integration in messaging services
1
.While currently limited to beta testers, the successful implementation of this feature could lead to a broader rollout, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with AI assistants within messaging platforms
2
.Summarized by
Navi
[2]
1
Business and Economy
2
Technology
3
Business and Economy