WhatsApp is currently testing a new widget on Android to provide easier access to Meta AI, following a similar update earlier this year, according to GSMARENA.
Discovered in beta version 2.25.6.14 of WhatsApp for Android, this latest widget includes three shortcuts: one for initiating a chat with Meta AI, another for sharing photos with the AI, and a third for voice interactions. Users can also adjust the widget’s size to better fit their home screen.
Available only to beta testers using the latest WhatsApp version, the widget is currently limited to regions where Meta AI has been rolled out. As a result, users in countries where the feature is not yet available will not see the widget, even if they are part of the beta program.
WhatsApp started supporting Meta AI (formerly Facebook AI) in 2023, with the rollout of various AI-driven features. While Meta has long been integrating AI into its platforms, 2023 marked the introduction of more direct AI features in WhatsApp, particularly in the form of Meta’s advanced AI assistants.
The key feature that signaled WhatsApp’s support for Meta AI was the integration of AI-powered chatbots and tools designed to enhance user interaction. These tools included features, such as automated responses, natural language processing for better communication, and AI-driven media features.
Meta AI has been gradually introduced in stages, and its availability has depended on region and user participation in beta programs. The push for AI integration comes as a part of Meta’s broader goal of utilizing AI to improve user experiences across all its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.