A new wave of generative AI features, powered by Llama, has begun rolling out to select WhatsApp users, ushering in an innovative Perplexity AI-like interface within the messaging platform.
The deployment of WhatsApp’s latest AI capability is currently random, reaching a limited number of users on Android and iOS devices. The new features can be accessed within the app through the Meta AI chat, inviting users to interact with Meta AI by simply asking questions or engaging in conversations.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has been steadily integrating generative AI features into its platforms. Earlier experiments involved testing AI-generated images on WhatsApp, which were also limited to specific users.
Honored and proud of our designers! pic.twitter.com/pU3CLbZNiE
— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) April 12, 2024
It’s important to note that Meta emphasizes privacy, stating that while AI messages may be utilized to enhance AI quality, personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted and are not shared with Meta. Users are required to agree to Meta’s AI terms before using the Meta AI on WhatsApp.
Similar to other generative AI chatbots, users can engage with the Meta AI chatbot in natural language conversations. Additionally, users can generate images using text prompts directly within WhatsApp, leveraging predefined prompts to initiate interactions with Meta AI.
The user interface (UI) of the Llama-powered Meta AI on WhatsApp closely resembles Perplexity AI, prompting a playful response from Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, who expressed pride in the design similarities.
In addition to WhatsApp, Meta is exploring Llama-powered AI features on its photo and video-sharing platform, Instagram. This initiative aims to enable users to generate captions and hashtags effortlessly. Moreover, Instagram is preparing to introduce an AI-powered chatbot in the near future, further enhancing user experiences across Meta’s social media ecosystem.
