(Image source from: Canva.com)

WhatsApp has begun pilot testing two innovative features in the latest beta releases of its messaging app for Android. The chat platform, which is part of Meta, has introduced a new widget aimed at simplifying access to its Meta AI chatbot, enabling users to interact without launching the app. Additionally, a feature that allows for AI-generated group icons is being tested by a selection of beta users. This feature empowers users to utilize Meta AI for crafting and setting group photos based on prompted instructions. Ultimately, these functionalities are anticipated to be available to all WhatsApp users on both iOS and Android.

Following the upgrade to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.6.10, as reported by the feature tracker WABetaInfo, certain beta testers can now generate images via Meta AI. By selecting the pencil icon while viewing the current group icon, a new option labeled Create AI Image appears. Once users tap on this option, they will be directed to a prompt screen for Meta AI, where they can input their request and receive multiple image variations from the chatbot, allowing them to browse and select a new group icon.

Moreover, in the recent update for WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.6.14, which became available to testers a few days ago, a new widget has been launched that users can place on their home screens. This widget serves as a quick access shortcut to the Meta AI chatbot without needing to open the WhatsApp application first. Although WABetaInfo’s screenshot depicts a larger widget featuring three buttons—Ask Meta AI, Camera, and Voice—Gadgets 360 was only capable of installing a smaller version of the widget that includes solely the Ask Meta AI button after the installation of WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.14.

By clicking the Ask Meta AI button, users enter a chat session with the Meta AI chatbot within WhatsApp, where they can either input questions or utilize the Camera and Voice buttons for photo or audio-based prompts. Users who are on the stable channel will still need to open WhatsApp and click the Meta AI floating action button (FAB) to engage with the Meta AI chatbot until the new widget becomes accessible to all.