WhatsApp launches Meta AI chatbot for select users in India

Meta, the parent company of social media giants Facebook and Instagram, made waves during the Meta Connect 2023 event by showcasing a diverse array of innovative AI-powered features. At the forefront of these advancements is the introduction of 'Meta AI', a cutting-edge artificial intelligence assistant poised to revolutionize user experiences across Meta's suite of applications, most notably WhatsApp.

Boasting a sophisticated design tailored for seamless integration across Meta's platforms, Meta AI introduces users to a new era of conversational interactions. Built upon a custom model derived from Llama 2, a powerful generative text model, and Meta's own Large Language Model (LLM) research, Meta AI promises natural and fluid conversations.

In a strategic partnership with Microsoft's Bing, Meta AI integrates real-time information retrieval capabilities into text-based conversations, enhancing its utility as a versatile digital assistant.

A standout feature of Meta AI is its innovative image generation tool, capable of transforming text prompts into lifelike images instantaneously. By simply entering '@MetaAI /imagine' followed by a desired text prompt, users can add a visual dimension to their conversations effortlessly.

While currently available exclusively in the U.S., Meta assures users of Meta AI's invaluable assistance in various scenarios, ranging from offering recommendations and entertainment to resolving disputes and providing educational content.

During the event, Meta showcased Meta AI's versatility through practical demonstrations, such as soliciting mocktail suggestions, showcasing its applicability in everyday situations.

To engage with Meta AI, users can access the Meta AI inbox on WhatsApp by tapping the Meta AI icon located in the bottom right corner. From there, users can seamlessly interact with the assistant by posing queries or requesting image generation.

In addition to Meta AI, Meta announced the creation of 28 additional AI assistants and revealed collaborations with prominent personalities from sports, entertainment, and internet culture. Figures such as Kendall Jenner, rBeast, and Snoop Dogg now have dedicated AI profiles on Instagram and Facebook, offering users personalized interactions.

Furthermore, Meta unveiled AI stickers for WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and Facebook Stories, providing users with personalized stickers generated from text prompts. This feature, akin to Snapchat's AI-generated Bitmoji stickers, will be gradually introduced to selected English-language users in the coming months, expanding creative possibilities within Meta's ecosystem.