WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.21: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.21.21.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to initiate real-time voice chats with Meta AI, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.7 update, we announced that a feature to start call-like sessions with the Meta AI chatbot was under development. This feature would allow users to interact with Meta AI through a voice interface that remains active even when switching between apps. By mimicking a real phone call, it enables more natural conversations, supports multitasking, and improves accessibility for users who prefer or rely on immediate voice-based interactions. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers can now interact with Meta AI through a dedicated voice interface. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.21 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to initiate real-time voice chats with Meta AI!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a brand-new interface designed specifically for interacting with Meta AI through voice. When users open the Meta AI screen from the Chats tab, they have the option to start a voice session by tapping the waveform icon. If users want WhatsApp to start voice chats with Meta AI automatically when opening it from the Chats tab, they can enable this option in the voice preferences. This option is disabled by default, giving users full control over whether voice interactions begin immediately or only when they choose to start them manually.

Users can also launch voice chats with Meta AI directly from the Calls tab. Here, a voice chat starts automatically, without requiring any additional taps or options. This design matches the intent of the Calls tab, which is focused on immediate voice interactions. Users should therefore anticipate that opening Meta AI from this tab will launch a hands-free voice chat right away, streamlining their experience and making it quicker to start conversations.

The new screen also includes default suggestions to help users easily start conversations with Meta AI. This feature, which offers curated prompts on various topics, was first announced in the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.20.13 update. They act as helpful guides, making it easier for users to engage with the AI, especially if they're unsure where to begin. Additionally, it lets users quickly share a photo from their gallery or camera right from the text input, with the potential to support other media files like documents in future updates.

Users have the option to allow voice chats with Meta AI to continue running when they switch to another app, by tapping the "collapse" icon. For example, users can open the Notes app on their device and read content aloud, allowing Meta AI to listen and provide real-time feedback or suggestions. Similarly, users might browse a website and ask Meta AI to explain certain terms or clarify confusing sections as they read. This continuity ensures that the voice interaction with Meta AI closely resembles a real phone conversation, where assistance is constant and uninterrupted.

Just like during a phone call, users can mute the microphone anytime they need privacy or silence. They can also manually end the voice session whenever they wish. The voice chat can be ended by tapping the "X" button, by navigating away from the voice experience back to the main Meta AI chat, or by switching to a text-based interaction. This offers users complete flexibility in how they engage with Meta AI, adapting to their environment and preferences.

To ensure transparency, users can rely on Android's built-in privacy indicator, which alerts them whenever the microphone is being accessed. This indicator typically appears as a green dot in the system status bar and cannot be tampered with by apps. Since it is managed directly by the operating system, neither WhatsApp nor any other app can alter its visibility or behavior. This system-level transparency empowers users to always know when their microphone is active, providing reassurance that Meta AI is only listening when explicitly allowed. In this way, WhatsApp ensures users have complete control over their audio privacy during these voice interactions.

The voice chat feature offers a very natural and intuitive way to engage with Meta AI. It removes the need to type out prompts manually, which can be time-consuming or inconvenient in certain situations. This makes it especially useful for users who prefer speaking over typing, such as when they're multitasking, driving, or dealing with limited mobility. Additionally, voice conversations tend to feel more fluid and human-like, helping users get to the point faster and receive more immediate responses. However, if users don't want voice chats to start automatically when opening the conversation with Meta AI, they can easily turn off this feature from the voice preferences within the Meta AI interface.

A feature to initiate real-time voice chats with Meta AI is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

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