WhatsApp rolls out Meta AI chatbot for some users in India: What is it and how to use it

Meta has unveiled Meta AI, its groundbreaking AI chatbot for WhatsApp beta users. Packed with advanced features, it promises to improve user experiences within Meta's ecosystem.

Meta introduces Meta AI, an AI chatbot for WhatsApp to enhance user experiences with conversational assistance. (REUTERS)

Meta has unveiled a host of new AI-driven features across its platforms, encompassing WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. These revelations unfolded during Meta Connect 2023, showcasing the tech giant's foray into artificial intelligence with the debut of 'Meta AI', an AI-powered assistant primed for integration within Meta's suite of apps, notably WhatsApp.

Meta AI boasts an impressive array of capabilities, allowing users to interact with it much like they would with another person. Developed using a custom model derived from Llama 2, a generative text model, and Meta's  Large Language Model (LLM) research, Meta AI is primed to deliver seamless conversational experiences. In a strategic collaboration, Meta has also teamed up with Microsoft's Bing to integrate real-time information retrieval for text-based conversations.

Image Generation at Your Fingertips

One of the standout features of Meta AI is its image generation tool, capable of producing lifelike images from text prompts in mere seconds. Users can access this feature by typing '@MetaAI /imagine' followed by their desired text prompt, enhancing the visual dynamics of their chats.

Meta AI isn't confined to individual chats; it extends its utility to group conversations as well. However, its availability is currently limited to the U.S., with no immediate plans announced for a global rollout. Nevertheless, Meta assures users that its AI assistant is poised to offer invaluable assistance, from making recommendations and providing comic relief to settling disputes and imparting new knowledge.

During the presentation, Meta demonstrated the versatility of Meta AI by showcasing scenarios such as requesting mocktail recommendations, highlighting its practical applicability in real-world situations.

To engage with Meta AI:

1. Open WhatsApp and locate the Meta AI icon in the bottom right corner.

2. Tap to access the Meta AI inbox.

3. Pose queries or request image generation effortlessly.

In addition to Meta AI, Meta revealed the development of 28 more AI assistants and announced partnerships with notable personalities from the realms of sports, entertainment, and internet culture. Celebrities such as Dwyane Wade, Kendall Jenner, MrBeast, Naomi Osaka, and Snoop Dogg now have dedicated AI profiles on Instagram and Facebook, offering users personalised interactions. With plans to introduce more characters shortly, Meta aims to enrich user experiences across its platforms.

Furthermore, Meta introduced AI stickers for WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and Facebook Stories, enhancing visual communication with customised stickers generated from text prompts. This feature, akin to Snapchat's AI-generated Bitmoji stickers, will gradually roll out to select English-language users over the next month, further augmenting the creative possibilities within Meta's ecosystem.