WEB DESK:According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is experimenting with a new ‘Side Chat’ feature designed to enhance how users engage with Meta AI. This feature will enable users to access Meta AI directly from their ongoing chat conversations, without switching screens.
With ‘Side Chat,’ users can continue chatting with friends or family while simultaneously querying Meta AI through a side panel. For instance, when planning a dinner outing, a user can request Meta AI for restaurant hours, menu options, or reservation details, which will be displayed alongside their main chat thread.
WhatsApp has emphasized that this feature is developed using its Private Processing technology. The company assured that interactions with Meta AI will remain confidential, with messages being processed in a secure environment that prevents Meta from viewing the content.
When a user initiates a conversation with Meta AI, a temporary, private thread will be created, accessible only to that individual. These messages will be securely processed and automatically deleted after a predetermined period, ensuring privacy and data security.
In addition to this, Meta is testing a new functionality that allows users to conduct voice and video calls within group chats directly through their desktop browsers on Windows and Mac, eliminating the need for separate app installations. Users can connect their computers to WhatsApp by scanning a QR code.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also bringing back message animations for iOS users. WABetaInfo reported that the feature is being reintroduced with a fresh style and a dedicated toggle. Previously, message effects were removed from the iOS app, causing messages to appear static. The latest beta version for iOS, 26.24.10.70, available via TestFlight, shows some users testing a new animation style. This update follows a similar rollout on Android, where users can now enable or disable message animations in Settings > Chats > Animations, alongside options for Emoji, Stickers, and GIFs.
