TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Meta has begun rolling out a new AI-driven feature for WhatsApp users, designed to help them quickly catch up on missed messages in busy chats. The feature, which is currently available in the US and supports only English, provides users with a private and secure way to get a quick summary of conversations they might have missed. The feature, which is switched off by default, uses Meta's private processing method, which enables AI to work without reading or saving users' messages. According to Meta, neither WhatsApp nor Meta can access users' messages or summaries, ensuring that conversations remain private. When the feature is available, users will see a small icon indicating that a summary can be generated. To activate the feature, users need to follow a few simple steps, which also control other AI-powered features that can be tested out. While the feature is currently only available in the US, Meta plans to expand its availability to more languages and regions later this year. Previously, Meta's AI could answer general questions in WhatsApp, but it did not have access to users' actual chats. This new tool changes that, providing a privacy-safe way to access summaries of conversations. For users who have felt overwhelmed trying to catch up on WhatsApp chats, this feature could be a game-changer. It eliminates the need to open every message or try to piece together what was missed, providing instead a quick AI-written summary of the highlights without invading their privacy. Meta's aim is to make WhatsApp feel more helpful and less overwhelming for its users. With this new AI feature, users can catch up faster, stay in the loop, and still keep their privacy protected. If the feature is available in the app, it is worth trying out, especially for those who frequently catch up on group chats or work updates.