WhatsApp is currently testing exciting new features aimed at enhancing user interactions and adding a touch of fun to conversations. The latest updates focus on integrating voice messages with the Meta AI chatbot and introducing animated emojis. Here’s a comprehensive overview of these features and their key points.

Key Points:

Voice Messages for Meta AI: Users can now send voice messages to the Meta AI chatbot on WhatsApp for Android.

Advanced Speech Recognition: The chatbot uses advanced technology to analyze voice inputs and respond with text-based answers.

Animated Emojis: WhatsApp is testing animated emojis on iOS, allowing for dynamic emoji animations.

Current Availability: Voice message feature is available to Android beta users; animated emojis are in the iOS beta phase

@wabetainfo

Voice Messages with Meta AI Chatbot

Introduction to Voice Messages

The latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android, version 2.24.16.10, introduces a significant update: the ability to send voice messages to the Meta AI chatbot. Previously, interactions with the Meta AI chatbot were limited to text input. This new feature leverages advanced speech recognition technology to provide a more natural and convenient user experience.

How It Works

Users can now record and send voice messages to Meta AI. The chatbot uses sophisticated speech recognition technology to analyze these voice inputs and generate appropriate text-based responses. While the chatbot cannot reply with voice messages, this feature still enhances the overall interaction by allowing users to communicate verbally rather than typing out their queries.

If Meta AI cannot understand a voice message, it will prompt the user to resend their message, ensuring that communication remains clear and effective.

Availability

Currently, the voice message feature for Meta AI is available to all beta users of WhatsApp on Android. iOS users will have to wait a bit longer as this feature has not yet been rolled out on that platform. The feature was first identified by WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates.

Animated Emojis in WhatsApp Beta for iOS

Introduction to Animated Emojis

In addition to the voice message feature, WhatsApp is also testing animated emojis in the latest beta version of its iOS app. This feature aims to make conversations more lively and expressive.

WhatsApp begins testing its own animated emoji in its iOS app

@9to5mac

How It Works

When a user sends a single emoji in a message, the app will display an enlarged, animated version of that emoji. Currently, five emojis are being tested in this animated format: the heart, wink, laughing, extreme laughing, and heart eyes emojis. This animation feature adds a new layer of expression to emoji use, making chats more engaging.

If multiple emojis are sent in a single message, WhatsApp will revert to displaying the standard, static versions of the emojis instead of animations.

Availability

The animated emoji feature is currently available only to a select group of users participating in the Testflight program for WhatsApp on iOS. This feature is still in the testing phase and has not been publicly announced by Meta, as any new emojis must receive approval from Apple before being introduced in iOS apps.

Conclusion

WhatsApp’s continuous updates, such as the introduction of voice messages for the Meta AI chatbot and animated emojis, highlight its commitment to enhancing user interaction and experience. These features, currently in beta testing, promise to make conversations more dynamic and engaging. Android users can already explore the voice message feature, while iOS users can look forward to animated emojis soon. As these updates roll out to all users, WhatsApp is set to offer even more versatile and enjoyable communication options.