Mark Zuckerberg's Meta starts testing AI chatbot on WhatsApp and Instagram in India

Meta has initiated testing of its AI-powered chatbot, Meta AI, on popular social media apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, primarily targeting its largest user base in India. 

Meta AI is a general-purpose, conversational assistant capable of generating text and images, summarizing texts, and assisting with tasks such as proofreading, editing, and translation.

The service was initially unveiled in September 2023, showcasing a wide array of functionalities that align with other large language models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

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How does Meta AI work?

This chatbot is integrated within the apps' interfaces, such as the search bar or direct messaging features on Instagram, and appears as an icon in the main chat list on WhatsApp for some users.

Users can interact with Meta AI just like chatting with a friend, asking for everything from local news to creative content like poems and image generation. On Instagram, the AI can even suggest activities or media, like Reels featuring cars, directly in the chat.

What unique features does Meta AI offer?

Meta AI is powered by the company's proprietary large language model, Llama 2, which enhances its ability to deliver real-time information and photorealistic images from text prompts within seconds. 

The chatbot also offers suggested prompts for various scenarios, such as managing credit card debt or travel hacks, making it a versatile tool across Meta’s platforms. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly into existing chats on Instagram, allowing users to solicit advice or ask questions directly in personal or group chats.

Are there any additional AI tools from Meta?

Beyond Meta AI, the company has introduced 28 more AI tools, each characterized as unique personas with distinct backstories.

These AI "characters" are partnered with cultural icons and influencers and have profiles on Instagram and Facebook for users to explore. This strategy enriches the user experience by providing a variety of AI interactions across Meta's suite of apps.

What does the future hold for Meta AI?

The company's rollout of these AI features is still in a limited testing phase, with a focus on gathering feedback and refining capabilities. The overarching goal is to expand these services across all of Meta’s platforms, enhancing user engagement through AI-driven content curation and interaction. 

As part of its investment in AI, Meta has also developed a new generation of silicon chips designed to optimize the performance of AI applications like Meta AI, promising faster and more efficient processing capabilities for handling complex AI tasks.