TLDR: WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to engage in real-time voice chats with Meta AI. This update, initially available to select Android beta testers, aims to provide a more natural, hands-free interaction with the AI chatbot, similar to Google Gemini and ChatGPT.
WhatsApp is currently in the process of rolling out a significant new feature that enables users to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. This functionality is being introduced as part of the WhatsApp beta for Android, specifically version 2.25.21.21, and is progressively reaching a limited number of beta testers. A wider release is anticipated over the coming weeks. The primary goal of this update is to facilitate a more intuitive and call-like interaction with Meta AI, allowing for hands-free communication and bringing its capabilities in line with other prominent AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
Users will be able to initiate a voice chat with Meta AI directly from the Chats tab by tapping a waveform icon. For those who prefer immediate voice interaction, an optional setting, disabled by default, allows voice chats to commence automatically upon opening Meta AI from the Chats tab. Furthermore, Meta plans to integrate this feature into the Calls tab, where tapping the Meta AI icon will instantly start a voice conversation. Similar to Google Gemini, the voice call can continue seamlessly even when users navigate to other tabs within the application, mimicking a standard phone call experience.
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During an active voice session, users retain full control, with options to mute the microphone or terminate the call at any point. To ensure transparency regarding microphone usage, Android’s built-in privacy indicator (a green dot in the status bar) will be visible when the microphone is active. It is important to note that while standard WhatsApp communications between individuals are end-to-end encrypted, interactions with Meta AI are not. Meta will receive prompts and messages shared with Meta AI to generate responses and enhance its AI quality. This new voice mode is designed to make Meta AI more accessible and flexible, transforming the interaction from mere text-based chatting to a more dynamic, hands-free conversational experience with background support.
