WhatsApp’s integrated AI chatbot, part of Meta’s broader efforts in AI, is nearing official launch with the expansion of beta testing through the Google Play Store.
WhatsApp AI chat bot opened to more beta users
WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, announced in September this year that it plans to introduce an artificial intelligence chatbot for its popular services and stated that it aims to compete with models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard.
The artificial intelligence chatbot leverages the Llama 2 large language model to facilitate fluent and realistic conversations. Thanks to a partnership with Microsoft Bing, the chatbot integrates web search capabilities to find answers to user queries.
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The AI tool allows users to ask a variety of questions and try out platform-specific features, such as AI-generated visual effects for photos on Instagram. However, in the early stages, access to these AI tools was limited to a select group of testers.
After several months of beta testing, the latest observations by WABetaInfo show that Meta is making progress and expanding the usability of its AI-powered chatbot within WhatsApp.
A new floating action button (FAB) has been introduced, making it easier for users to access productive AI. Positioned just above the new message FAB in the Chats tab in WhatsApp, this multi-colored circle within a pale gray button acts as a shortcut to start a chat with Meta AI. The new layout is expected to improve feature discovery and make users more likely to notice it, especially if they haven’t encountered it before.
The existence of this AI chatbot shortcut indicates that Meta is approaching wider adoption, at least in the beta channel. WhatsApp beta version 2.23.24.26 is stated to be compatible, but some users may see the feature even in older version 2.23.24.23. As the AI chatbot becomes more accessible through beta testing, there is optimism that it will eventually make its way to the stable channel.