WhatsApp is making strides towards enhancing user experience with the introduction of a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature. This new feature will enable users to engage in hands-free verbal conversations with Meta AI, the AI chatbot seamlessly integrated into the app. Initially, reports suggested that users would be able to send voice notes to Meta AI for one-way verbal communication. However, the latest information indicates that the AI chatbot will also respond verbally, revolutionizing the way users interact with AI technology.
The highly anticipated voice mode feature for Meta AI has been discovered in the WhatsApp beta versions for both Android and iOS. Although not visible to beta testers yet, screenshots shared by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo reveal a new voice icon next to the text field in the Meta AI chat. Upon tapping the icon, a bottom sheet with Meta AI displayed on top emerges, showcasing a visually engaging interface with an audio waveform. The AI prompts the user with a friendly “Hi, how can I help” message, accompanied by an audio waveform icon indicating active listening.
One of the intriguing aspects of the Meta AI voice mode feature is the potential availability of up to 10 different voices for users to choose from. While details about the distinct characteristics of these voices are scarce, users may have the option to select voices with varying accents, energy levels, or tonalities. Moreover, the feature includes the ability to enable captions and transcriptions through text-to-speech technology, allowing users to refer back to the conversation in text format at a later time.
Despite the exciting prospects offered by the Meta AI voice mode feature, it remains unclear when this feature will be officially launched to the public. As WhatsApp continues to fine-tune the feature and address any potential bugs or issues, users participating in the Google Play Beta programme may have to wait patiently before they can test out the new voice mode feature firsthand. With the promise of more interactive and personalized conversations with AI technology, the introduction of voice mode on Meta AI underscores WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing user engagement and innovation in messaging platforms.