WhatsApp is set to introduce an AI chatbot on its instant messaging platform, with the most recent beta version of the app featuring a dedicated button for easy access to this functionality.
According to a report by WABetaInfo, a button has been added above the new chat initiation icon in the Chats tab. This button is designed to streamline the process of engaging with AI-powered chats, ultimately improving user convenience and interaction speed.
The AI chatbot, powered by Meta AI, was first unveiled by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, back in September. Zuckerberg revealed that the company is currently testing AI chatbots tailored for a specific segment in the USA.
In the initial September beta release, the AI chatbot was somewhat hidden within the contact list, making it challenging for users to locate and start conversations. To address this issue and enhance user experience, the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.24.26 now includes a small button on the home screen for quick access to the chatbot.
Positioned above the ‘New Chat’ button in the bottom right corner, this button features a white square with a colorful ring around it. A simple tap on this button swiftly launches the Meta AI chatbot. It is essential to highlight that AI chatbots are currently being tested on a limited scale and are considered an experimental feature, as per the report.
While the presence of this feature in the WhatsApp beta version does not guarantee its inclusion in the global release of the same version, the exact timeline for its broader availability remains undisclosed at this time.
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp mentioned that its calling feature utilizes peer-to-peer connections to enable faster data transfers and superior audio quality. However, one drawback of this method is the need for users to share their IP addresses with each other, potentially revealing sensitive information such as their data provider and geographical location.
To address this privacy concern, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called ‘Protect IP Address in Calls.’ With this setting activated, individual calls no longer rely on peer-to-peer connections but are instead routed through a server, effectively concealing the user’s IP address from other participants. It is important to note that while group calls have always used this server-based relay, individual calls now benefit from this added privacy measure.
