WhatsApp for Android might be developing a new artificial intelligence (AI) widget. According to a feature tracker, the instant messaging network is working on a widget for Meta AI that would allow users to instantly interact with the chatbot directly from their home screen. Meta AI was incorporated into WhatsApp in select locations in 2024, providing a native interface for users to interact with Meta’s in-house chatbot. The widget is believed to be in development, therefore beta testers cannot try it yet.
The new feature in which WhatsApp is developing is all about Meta AI. Specifically, a home screen widget for Android phones. As shown in the screenshot below, Meta AI will be prominently displayed on your home screen.
Of course, the widget will be optional. It will only be available to individuals who already have access to Meta AI. This is currently limited to specific countries and people, so the widget will not be available to everyone when it launches.
The report on WhatsApp developing a Meta AI Widget, which may work alongside with the feature tracker for WABetaInfo, the new capability was discovered in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.1.27 upgrade. However, the widget is stated to be in development, therefore it is not visible to users. It’s unclear when beta testers will be able to view and try out the feature.
According to a screenshot included in the allegation, WhatsApp’s new widget allows users to access Meta AI. It appears to be a 4-by-1 widget, similar to the Google Search widget. The widget features a light grey background, a white text area, and a camera icon.
The text box has the ring-shaped Meta AI logo and the text “Ask Meta AI”. According to the feature tracker, users can tap the text area and type a prompt. After issuing the prompt, WhatsApp’s full-screen interface opens right into the Meta AI chat, allowing the user to view the response. Currently, it is reported that the widget does not display the chatbot’s responses.
With the screenshot included in the allegation, WhatsApp’s new widget allows users to access Meta AI. It appears to be a 4-by-1 widget, similar to the Google Search widget. The widget features a light grey background, a white text area, and a camera icon.
The text box has the ring-shaped Meta AI logo and the text “Ask Meta AI”. According to the feature tracker, users can tap the text area and type a prompt. After issuing the prompt, WhatsApp’s full-screen interface opens right into the Meta AI chat, allowing the user to view the response. Currently, it is reported that the widget does not display the chatbot’s responses.
Furthermore, the camera icon is intended to enable users to rapidly upload images to Meta AI. Users can ask the AI chatbot for information about the photographs or ask it to edit them. Interestingly, WhatsApp currently has one additional widget that allows users to see multiple messages but not write or send messages through the UI. If the feature tracker is to be believed, this will be the application’s second Android widget.
As you can see, there are two sections to the widget. You can either swipe the left side to ask it a question or tap the right side to select a photo, which will be instantaneously shared with Meta AI. Then, of course, you may ask the chatbot to modify the photo, explain its contents, or answer any other queries you have.
WhatsApp is also developing a new tab for AI talks, which will be added to the bottom navigation bar, but only for those with access.
It is unknown when these functionalities will be released from beta testing and available to all eligible users. It could take several weeks, if not months, to reach that position. However, more Meta AI is absolutely on its way to WhatsApp.
A significant distinction is that the present widgets lack a camera shortcut for quick image capture and sharing for AI analysis, which the new widget will provide. This shows how much more seamless the new widget will be.
Meta AI in WhatsApp introduces a slew of features, all powered by Llama 3.1. It goes beyond basic chatbot features, with a mode similar to Gemini Live designed for more vibrant and participatory interactions. Furthermore, you may translate languages, summarize information, and even make graphics within WhatsApp.
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