WhatsApp Innovates with AI: Upcoming Features for Message Enhancement and Voice Interaction

WhatsApp for Android is reportedly developing two novel AI features aimed at enhancing user interaction with the app. According to the report, the messaging service is introducing an AI-driven Rewrite feature that can modify a typed message into various styles. This feature supposedly also corrects users’ messages before they are sent. Furthermore, it appears the platform is working on a two-way live voice chat capability for Meta AI, providing users with a hands-free method of engaging with the chatbot.

WhatsApp for Android May Soon Introduce Two New AI Features

Per an Android Authority report, the messaging service is likely preparing to launch a text rewriting feature supported by AI. The feature was discovered during an analysis of the Android application package (APK) of the app. It was found in the code strings of WhatsApp for Android version 2.25.8.5. As it is not currently visible, users won’t be able to try it out at this moment.

WhatsApp AI Rewrite feature
Photo Credit: Android Authority

The AI Rewrite feature is said to be implemented as a floating action button (FAB) featuring a pencil icon positioned just above the Send button. This button is expected to appear once the user types something in the text area within individual chats or group discussions. After entering a few words, users can tap the pencil icon to reach a text editing interface, where they can choose from multiple rewriting options.

The report indicates that the rewriting options available include Funny, Proofread, Puns, Rephrase, Sarcastic, Shorter, Spooky, and Supportive. Among these, the Proofread option is designed to correct spelling and grammatical errors, while the others adjust the tone of the message.

In a separate update, WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo reported in a post that the messaging app is enhancing its functionality for Meta AI. Users currently can interact with the chatbot for text-based conversations, ask questions, gather information from the internet, generate images, and send prompts via voice messages. However, two-way voice chat with the AI remains unavailable.

This situation might change with an upcoming update. The feature tracker identified a new call-like interface for Meta AI in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.7 version. However, as this is still in development, beta users will not have access to it.

Meta AI voice calling interface
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

According to the screenshots shared by the feature tracker, the Meta AI interface will automatically initiate a call-like session once the feature is enabled. Users will have the choice to switch to a text-only mode or to have the AI verbally respond while the user sends text messages. This two-way live voice interaction capability seems to resemble Gemini Live.

WABetaInfo asserts that users will be able to carry on conversations even when the app operates in the background and they switch to another application. Furthermore, a mute button is also featured that will allow users to silence their audio in loud surroundings. Users will also have the flexibility to end the call whenever desired.

Importantly, in September 2024, the company revealed the Meta AI Voice Chat feature utilizing celebrity voices. However, this was predominantly a text-to-speech (TTS) improvement and not akin to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. It remains unclear if the reported feature is a mere redesign of that, or if it will also provide a more lifelike voice chat experience.