A New Meta AI Widget Developed on WhatsApp Android
WhatsApp for Android is in the process of developing a new artificial intelligence (AI) widget known as Meta AI. This widget will enable users to interact directly with the chatbot from their home screen. Meta AI was initially introduced to WhatsApp in select locations in 2024, providing users with a native interface to engage with Meta's in-house chatbot. While the widget is currently under development, it is not yet accessible to beta testers.
Features of the New Meta AI Widget
The upcoming feature on WhatsApp revolves around Meta AI and focuses on a home screen widget specifically designed for Android devices. The widget is expected to prominently display Meta AI on the user's home screen. It is important to note that the widget will be optional and will only be available to individuals who already have access to Meta AI, which is currently limited to specific countries and users.
The report on WhatsApp developing the Meta AI Widget was discovered in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.1.27 upgrade. Despite being in development, the widget is not visible to users at this time, and the timeline for beta testers to access the feature remains uncertain.
Functionality of the Widget
The Meta AI widget in WhatsApp allows users to interact with Meta AI through a 4-by-1 widget format, resembling the Google Search widget. Users can tap the widget to prompt a query, leading them to the full-screen Meta AI chat interface to view responses. Currently, the widget does not display the chatbot's responses directly.
Additionally, the widget features a camera icon that enables users to quickly upload images to Meta AI for analysis or editing. This new widget will complement the existing widget that allows users to view multiple messages but lacks the functionality to compose or send messages.
Future Developments and Features
WhatsApp is also working on a new tab dedicated to AI conversations, which will be integrated into the bottom navigation bar for eligible users. The exact timeline for the release of these features to all eligible users remains unknown and could potentially take several weeks or months. However, it is evident that WhatsApp is committed to enhancing its Meta AI capabilities.
The inclusion of a camera shortcut in the new widget for rapid image sharing and analysis highlights the seamless user experience that WhatsApp aims to provide. Meta AI on WhatsApp offers a range of features, powered by Llama 3.1, beyond basic chatbot functions, fostering interactive experiences, language translations, information summaries, and graphic creation within the app.
