WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.7: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.8.7.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature to initiate call-like sessions with the Meta AI chatbot, and it will be available in a future update!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.7.16 update, we announced that an enhanced experience to chat and talk with the Meta AI chatbot was available. This update introduces a dedicated Meta AI interface designed to prioritize voice interactions, making conversations with the AI more intuitive and fluid. With the new feature, users no longer need to manually tap a button to begin speaking. Instead, as soon as they open the interface, Meta AI automatically starts a voice session, enabling a hands-free experience. As mentioned in our previous story, it seems that WhatsApp continues to focus on enhancing convenience when engaging with Meta AI, aiming to further improve user engagement and streamline AI-powered interactions. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.7 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to initiate call-like sessions with the Meta AI chatbot!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will allow users to keep talking to Meta Al even when they switch apps, scheduled for release in a future update. When users open the new dedicated Meta AI screen, a call-like session will start automatically, ensuring a seamless and hands-free interaction with the AI assistant. This feature will allow users to continue their conversation with Meta AI while using other apps. For example, users can browse a website for information and simultaneously ask Meta AI real-time questions about the content they are reading. This functionality significantly enhances the multitasking experience, making AI-powered assistance more practical in everyday use.

Since the interaction takes place as a call-like session, users will have full control over it. They can mute their microphone at any time if they need a moment of silence or privacy. Additionally, they can end the call whenever they want and switch to another type of interaction, such as text-based chat, depending on their preference. It's worth noting that the Android's built-in privacy indicator will notify users whenever the microphone is active, providing transparency and control over their privacy. Since this indicator is managed by the operating system, no app can intercept or modify its behavior to mask its activity. As a result, this system feature allows users to monitor microphone usage in real time, ensuring they are always aware when audio is being accessed.

Adopting this call-based approach to communicating with Meta AI provides a more natural and intuitive way to interact with the AI, mimicking a real conversation rather than requiring users to type their queries manually. This is especially useful for those who prefer voice interactions or need quick access to AI assistance without stopping other tasks. Moreover, it enhances accessibility for users who may find typing inconvenient or less efficient, as it allows them to communicate with Meta AI effortlessly through voice commands, making interactions faster and more intuitive.

Although this feature is currently in development, like all other experimental features we announce on this website, its release is not guaranteed. WhatsApp, like other tech companies, continuously tests new functionalities to evaluate their potential usefulness for users. Some features may undergo further refinements, while others might never be officially released if they do not meet certain expectations. As a result, while this feature could enhance interactions with Meta AI, there is no certainty that it will be made available to the public.

A feature to initiate call-like sessions with the Meta AI chatbot is under development and it will be available in a future update. We will keep you updated with an additional article as soon as we have more details to share about this feature.

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