WhatsApp really hopes users will want to talk with AI bots

[Drfun]

WhatsApp is testing a new design that puts AI chatbots front and center. Right now, it's only available on the Android beta, but the change gives a whole new tab on the homescreen just for AI features.



This tab includes a mix of popular AI characters to chat with, as well as bots sorted by different topics. There are also other AI-powered features like image and sticker generation and a Meta AI-powered search tool.

AI bots aren't new to WhatsApp, but this update makes them more noticeable. Currently, they're only available in the US and a few other countries, and only in some languages. Until now, you could access them through the main Chats tab, but the new design gives them more space.

WhatsApp is also working on letting users create their own personalized AI characters. This would make the process easier compared to how it's done now, which requires going through Instagram's AI Studio on the website.

The new AI tab replaces the old Communities tab, but Communities isn't going anywhere—it's just been moved. WhatsApp's beta is available on Google Play, but right now, only a small group can test it, and there's no word yet on when or if this will roll out to everyone.