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WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature for Android users that will allow them to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. As per a feature tracker, the new artificial intelligence (AI) feature is now rolling out to select beta testers, and allows users to either directly initiate voice chat or switch to it while within the chatbot’s interface. The real-time voice chat feature is said to also come with continuity capability, and users can talk to the AI while WhatsApp runs in the background.
According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform has begun testing Meta AI’s voice chat mode with some beta testers. The new feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.21 update. This feature was first mentioned in a March report, when the Meta-owned company was still working on it.
Meta AI voice chat interface
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
Based on screenshots shared by the feature tracker, it appears that the voice mode feature comes with a lot of flexibility and personalisation options. Users can start two-way voice conversations with Meta AI by entering the chat interface and tapping on the waveform icon. Alternatively, they can also go to Settings and navigate to Voice Preferences to automatically enter voice mode when opening the chat interface. This option is disabled by default, and is only applicable for the chat tab.
On the other hand, when a user is on the Call tab, the Meta AI icon is said to automatically change to the waveform icon, and users will initiate a voice conversation with the chatbot by default. This was likely done to synchronise it with the Call tab’s functionality.
When in the voice chat mode, users will also see new suggested topics at the centre of the chat interface. This is added to help users get started with a conversation. The voice mode is also accompanied with a collapse icon located on the top left side. Just like collapsing WhatsApp calls with another user, this takes the voice chat to the background, allowing users to open another app while continuing the conversation.
WhatsApp is said to be offering multiple ways to end the voice conversation as well. They can either tap the X button located at the bottom or navigate outside of the chat interface. Alternatively, they can also begin typing a message in the text field to switch to text-mode. In case users are unsure whether the call is still ongoing, they can always check via the call’s notification alert and Android’s microphone alert indicator.
