WhatsApp’s parent firm, Meta, is said to have started limited testing of Meta AI integration on the messaging app in many African countries including Nigeria and India.
This action, according to experts, indicates how Meta intends to grow its AI offerings by reaching out to large user populations across its suite of products.
The social media behemoth has been rushing to release additional AI services in response to significant AI initiatives from OpenAI, other big tech businesses, and others.
The functionality allows users to communicate with Meta AI directly through the WhatsApp search box, according to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo. It was initially seen in the Android 2.24.7.14 WhatsApp beta.
By providing recommendations and prompts directly within the search interface, this feature aims to simplify user interaction with Meta AI and remove the need for manual navigation to the Meta AI conversation.
Currently in the testing phase, Meta is experimenting with numerous entrance points for consumers from different countries.
During the first release cycle, a limited number of users in particular nations—mainly those with English selected as their app language—can utilise the Meta AI integration in the search bar.
Furthermore, another entry point is offered to Indian users through a specific icon found on the top app bar.
It is crucial to emphasise that the privacy of private discussions on WhatsApp is unaffected by the inclusion of Meta AI.
User interactions in the search bar are private, and unless the user directly requests it, no information is shared with Meta AI.
We earlier reported that Meta Platforms released information regarding the upcoming iteration of their proprietary AI accelerator hardware.
The company disclosed the development on its official page as it is investing billions in its own AI research to overtake competitors in the generative AI market.