WhatsApp is beginning to roll out a new feature that allows users to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. The update is part of the WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.21.21) and is reaching some beta testers now, but wider availability is expected to take several weeks. The feature aims to provide a more natural, call-like interaction with the AI chatbot, enabling hands-free communication and finally putting it on par with ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
When the feature is available to you, you’ll be able to initiate a voice chat with Meta AI from the Chats tab by clicking the waveform icon. There’s also an option setting that’s disabled by default to automatically start voice chats when opening Meta AI from the Chats tab - this is a nice addition for anyone that dislikes typing messages to AI and normally wants to initiate a chat right away.
Meta is also planning to let you start voice chats directly from the Calls tab, if you access it here, the calls will start immediately. Similar to Google Gemini, you’ll be able to have a continuous voice call even when you switch to other tabs, mimicking a real phone call.
During a call session, users can mute the microphone or end the voice call at any time. Android’s built-in privacy indicator (the green dot in the status bar) will appear when the microphone is active, ensuring transparency. This system-level indicator can’t be messed with by apps so don’t worry about Meta trying to conceal it if you don’t fully trust the company.
Speaking about trusting Meta, while WhatsApp communications are end-to-end encrypted when chatting to real people, this does not apply to Meta AI interactions; the company does receive prompts and messages shared with Meta AI to generate responses and improve its AI quality.
Source and image: WABetaInfo