CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): WhatsApp is set to launch a new feature that enables people to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI, a big boost to the app’s AI feature, and enhancing accessibility for users who want hands-free support.
The feature, which is already available for some beta testers using the latest iOS beta version (25.21.10.76) through TestFlight, will roll out to a broader user base in the weeks ahead, says WABetaInfo, an update-tracking portal.
Users can start a voice session with Meta AI by tapping the waveform icon in the Chats tab. An optional voice preference setting permits voice chats to begin automatically when launching the Meta AI interface, although the feature is off by default to preserve user control.
Additionally, some testers have noted that voice chats with Meta AI can be initiated directly from the Calls tab, further streamlining the process by eliminating the need to navigate multiple screens.
To assist users who may not be aware of where to start a query, the interface provides pre-composed prompt hints. Additionally, users can append photographs from the camera or gallery directly through the input field to add visual context to their queries.
The function is built to simulate the continuity of a natural phone call. It enables the voice session to stay active even when the user moves to other apps, employing a “collapse” icon to shrink the chat window.
Meta AI keeps listening and answering, and the users can now, for example, read aloud from their notes or browse the web and get an immediate AI response.
WhatsApp has emphasized its dedication to user privacy in the implementation of this feature. At any time, users can silence their microphone or terminate the session altogether.
iOS devices also indicate an orange dot in the status bar when the microphone is engaged — an intrinsic privacy indicator that cannot be disabled by third-party apps, including WhatsApp.
The voice chat feature will likely be particularly useful to those people who are multitasking, driving, or have trouble typing, more incorporate artificial intelligence into everyday habits of communication.
While Meta AI features have been rolled out increasingly across the Meta platforms, this is the first time real-time voice interaction will be natively available on WhatsApp, implying a larger initiative on the part of the company to make AI more conversational and accessible throughout its portfolio of products.
