Latest news with #WABetaInfo
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
Meta AI may soon talk back: WhatsApp tests real-time voice mode
Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly trialling a new feature that would enable Android users to engage in real-time voice conversations with Meta AI, its in-built chatbot. The functionality is currently being tested with select beta users and is expected to expand in future updates. According to WABetaInfo, the feature tracker that monitors WhatsApp developments, the voice chat capability was observed in the latest beta release, version 2.25.21.21, for Android. The voice interaction option could allow users to initiate a conversation with Meta AI either by tapping a waveform icon within the chat interface or by switching to voice mode mid-conversation. A separate toggle in the app's settings under 'Voice Preferences' could let users enable automatic voice mode entry when accessing the chatbot, although this setting remains off by default and applies solely to the chat tab. In the Calls tab, the Meta AI icon is reported to automatically switch to the waveform symbol, allowing voice interaction to be triggered directly, a move seemingly designed to align the feature with the tab's existing purpose. Once activated, users are expected to view suggested conversation topics in the centre of the screen, intended to help begin the interaction. The interface could include a collapse icon in the upper left corner, offering the ability to minimise the voice chat, similar to a standard WhatsApp call, and continue talking while using other apps. To end the voice session, users can reportedly tap an 'X' icon at the bottom of the screen, exit the chat, or simply start typing to revert to text mode. Ongoing conversations can be monitored via WhatsApp's in-app call notification and Android's microphone activity alert. Notably, the feature, still in its testing phase, is not yet available to the wider user base and it remains unclear when a broader rollout will take place.
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Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Business Standard
Soon, WhatsApp will let users set reminders to revisit messages: What's new
WhatsApp's new beta update for Android lets users set custom message reminders to keep track of important chats and group conversations WhatsApp is reportedly introducing a new feature in its latest Android beta update (v2.25.21.14) that allows users to set custom reminders for individual messages. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature builds on a previous update that automatically highlighted unread messages from frequently contacted users. With this update, users can now manually flag important messages and schedule alerts for them. It is designed to help users stay updated with the messages without losing track of key conversations. WhatsApp message reminder: How it works Set alerts for individual messages With the new feature, users can long-press a message and find a new option in the message menu to 'set a reminder.' This enables scheduling alerts to revisit that message at convenient times. WhatsApp offers preset options like two hours, eight hours, or one day, along with the option to set fully customisable reminders with preferred time and date. Visual markers for easy tracking Once set, a small bell icon appears on the message bubble, making it easy to identify which messages have active reminders. When the scheduled time arrives, WhatsApp will send a notification including the full text of the original message, a thumbnail preview if the content is an image, video, or GIF, and specifies the exact chat in which the reminder was created, ensuring users know exactly where to return. Private and secure on device processing The report mentioned that reminders are processed entirely on the user's device. They are not visible to others in the chat and are not stored on WhatsApp's servers, ensuring complete privacy. They remain private and are never shared with the other participants in the conversation. It means users can organise and follow up on messages without others knowing.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
WhatsApp to show ads in status and promote channels in new Beta update
Meta is taking a big step to make money from WhatsApp by testing new ad features and in its latest Android beta update (version 2.25.21.11), the messaging platform has introduced two new tools - ' Status Ads ' and ' Promoted Channels '. These features are now available to select beta users on Android, according to WABetaInfo. Status Ads are similar to the ads you see on Instagram Stories. Business accounts can now post sponsored content that will appear in users' Status feeds. These ads will show up between updates from friends and family but will have a clear "sponsored" label, so users can easily tell them apart from personal posts. WhatsApp is also giving users control over what they see. If someone doesn't want to see ads from a particular advertiser, they can block them, and those ads won't appear again. The second feature, Promoted Channels, will help public channels become more visible in WhatsApp's channel directory. Just like Status Ads, these promoted channels will be marked as "sponsored". When a business or creator pays to promote their channel, it will appear higher in search results, making it easier for users to find and follow them. These changes could be very useful for brands, creators, and organisations who want to grow their audience quickly. It also signals WhatsApp's serious entry into the world of advertising and creator monetisation -- something already common on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Meta has assured that these ads won't affect users' privacy. The company says all promotional content will only be shown in public areas like Status and Channels, not in private chats. So, your personal messages will remain ad-free. Earlier, in a previous beta update (2.25.19.15), WhatsApp also started testing a feature that lets users download detailed ad activity reports. These reports show which ads were displayed, who the advertisers were, and when the ads were seen. This adds more transparency compared to traditional ad platforms
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
'Quick Recap' will let WhatsApp users scan unread chats in seconds: Details
Reportedly, the Quick Recap tool will let WhatsApp users catch up on unread messages across multiple chats, while keeping privacy protected through Meta's Private Processing New Delhi WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature called Quick Recap, which is aimed at helping users quickly catch up on unread messages across multiple chats. According to a report by WABetaInfo, Quick Recap will allow users to select up to five conversations and receive a summary of what they missed, without having to scroll through every message. The feature is currently available in the latest Android beta (version 2.25.21.12) and is expected to be released in a future update. The report stated that the feature will remain opt-in, giving users full control over whether they want to use it. Quick Recap: How it works According to the report, Quick Recap will give a better summary than the usual unread message preview. It will be helpful for users who have not checked WhatsApp in a while, as it shows the main points of conversations. This makes it easier to catch up, especially in busy group chats. The feature will be entirely optional and can be turned on in the app's settings as per users' choice. Once enabled, users will be able to tap the Quick Recap icon in the Chats tab, select up to five conversations, and receive concise recaps within seconds. However, chats protected by Advanced Chat Privacy will not be eligible for this feature. Quick Recap uses Meta's AI technology to generate summaries, but it does so while protecting user privacy through a system called Private Processing. When users request a recap, the selected message data is processed in a secure, isolated environment. This ensures that neither WhatsApp nor Meta can see the content of the messages or the summaries generated. Apart from this Quick Recap, WhatsApp is also using Private Processing for other AI-powered features that are currently under testing. This includes message summarisation of an individual or group chats and for AI-based writing suggestions.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
WhatsApp's Latest Beta Update: 'Status Ads' And 'Promoted Channels'
New Delhi: Meta is taking a big step to make money from WhatsApp by testing new ad features and in its latest Android beta update (version 2.25.21.11), the messaging platform has introduced two new tools - 'Status Ads' and 'Promoted Channels'. These features are now available to select beta users on Android, according to WABetaInfo. Status Ads are similar to the ads you see on Instagram Stories. Business accounts can now post sponsored content that will appear in users' Status feeds. These ads will show up between updates from friends and family but will have a clear "sponsored" label, so users can easily tell them apart from personal posts. WhatsApp is also giving users control over what they see. If someone doesn't want to see ads from a particular advertiser, they can block them, and those ads won't appear again. The second feature, Promoted Channels, will help public channels become more visible in WhatsApp's channel directory. Just like Status Ads, these promoted channels will be marked as "sponsored". When a business or creator pays to promote their channel, it will appear higher in search results, making it easier for users to find and follow them. These changes could be very useful for brands, creators, and organisations who want to grow their audience quickly. It also signals WhatsApp's serious entry into the world of advertising and creator monetisation -- something already common on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Meta has assured that these ads won't affect users' privacy. The company says all promotional content will only be shown in public areas like Status and Channels, not in private chats. So, your personal messages will remain ad-free. Earlier, in a previous beta update (2.25.19.15), WhatsApp also started testing a feature that lets users download detailed ad activity reports. These reports show which ads were displayed, who the advertisers were, and when the ads were seen. This adds more transparency compared to traditional ad platforms.
