WhatsApp for Android is reportedly working on a new widget designed to provide users with quick access to Meta AI, the company’s in-house artificial intelligence chatbot. According to a feature tracker, this new widget will allow users to interact with Meta AI directly from their home screen, offering a more convenient and seamless way to access the chatbot. Meta AI was first introduced to WhatsApp in 2024, initially rolled out in select regions, and provides a native method for users to engage with Meta’s AI technology. The widget, which is still under development, is not yet available for beta testers to try out.
A screenshot shared in the report reveals that the new widget will be a 4 x 1-sized element, similar to the Google Search widget commonly found on Android devices. It features a light grey background with a white text field, accompanied by a camera icon. This minimalist design makes it easy for users to interact with Meta AI while keeping their home screens uncluttered. The text box includes the ring-shaped Meta AI logo, along with the prompt “Ask Meta AI,” prompting users to engage with the chatbot right from the home screen.
Upon tapping the text field, users will be able to type in a question or prompt, and once sent, WhatsApp’s full-screen interface will open to the Meta AI chat, where users can read the chatbot’s response. However, according to the feature tracker, the widget will not display the chatbot’s replies directly within the widget itself. Instead, users will need to open the full interface to read the response, allowing them to maintain a streamlined experience while still accessing the chatbot’s capabilities.
The addition of this new widget would further integrate Meta AI into WhatsApp, making it more accessible to users who wish to leverage artificial intelligence for everyday tasks and inquiries. This move also highlights Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance its messaging platform with AI-powered features, positioning WhatsApp as a more versatile tool in the world of instant messaging. As the widget continues to be developed, it could represent an exciting new feature for WhatsApp users, offering them an innovative way to interact with AI technology.
