What to know

  • WhatsApp is testing a new home screen widget in Android beta version 2.25.6.14 that provides three shortcuts for Meta AI interaction
  • The widget includes options to open Meta AI chat, share photos, and use voice commands, with adjustable sizing for better screen fit
  • Users concerned about AI intrusiveness can disable Meta AI through WhatsApp settings, though the feature's availability remains limited to certain regions

WhatsApp is ramping up its AI integration efforts with a new home screen widget designed to make Meta AI more accessible to Android users. The latest beta version 2.25.6.14 introduces a customizable widget that puts Meta's artificial intelligence assistant just a tap away.

The new widget features three distinct shortcuts to enhance your interaction with Meta AI. You can quickly open a chat with Meta AI, instantly share photos for AI analysis, or engage in voice-based conversations—all without needing to launch the WhatsApp app first. For those concerned about screen real estate, the widget can be resized to fit your home screen layout preferences.

This development follows WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to integrate Meta AI more deeply into its platform. Previously, the company had implemented Meta AI through a floating action button, search bar integration, and in-chat tagging for group conversations. The new widget represents Meta's strategy to position its AI assistant as a convenient alternative to standalone AI platforms like ChatGPT or Perplexity.

While Meta frames this as a user convenience, reception has been mixed. Some users appreciate the streamlined access to AI capabilities, while others view it as an intrusive addition to an already cluttered digital experience. Many WhatsApp users have expressed concerns about AI's growing presence in what was originally a straightforward messaging platform.

For those who prefer a more traditional messaging experience, there is good news—Meta AI can be disabled. Users can navigate to Settings > Chats and toggle off the Meta AI button to remove the feature from their WhatsApp experience. However, as Meta continues to prioritize AI integration across its platforms, it remains to be seen whether this opt-out option will remain as accessible in future updates.

It's worth noting that the new widget is currently limited to beta testers running the latest version of WhatsApp for Android. Additionally, Meta AI itself isn't available in all regions, so users in countries where the feature hasn't been rolled out won't see the widget even if they're part of the beta program.

With WhatsApp's massive user base of over two billion monthly active users, even modest adoption of Meta AI features could represent a significant win for Meta in the increasingly competitive AI assistant landscape. The question remains whether users will embrace these AI tools or view them as unnecessary additions to their messaging experience.

Via: WABetaInfo