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Tech

Into the Metaverse

WhatsApp has long been a staple, but its latest update promises to revolutionize our interactions with AI.

By Paul Reji George

info@thearabianstories.com

Friday, April 26, 2024

If there is one app that is more widely used compared to your messages app and has become almost a second nature when you unlock your smartphone, its WhatsApp.

If you are in India, the integration of UPI and online payments has added extra benefits to WhatsApp, making it more diverse, similar to the likes of WeChat in China. But Meta-owned WhatsApp is now getting a super upgrade that is more in line with what the tech industry is chiming towards: AI.

The latest update is rolling out, and you might want to keep an eye on it.

In a recent Instagram post, Zuckerberg teased the enhancements, focusing on ‘multimodality, multi-linguality, and bigger context windows’ for Meta’s AI suite.

One of the standout releases is Llama 3, Meta’s response to the generative AI market. This model, available in 8B and 70B parameters, powers MetaAI, the company’s advanced artificial intelligence assistant. With features like real-time image generation, while typing prompts, Meta aims to challenge industry leaders like OpenAI.

Zuckerberg emphasized Meta AI’s reasoning, coding, and creative writing prowess, positioning it as a formidable rival to Google and emerging startups like Mistral AI. This enhanced AI assistant will integrate seamlessly across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, offering users a robust and intelligent virtual assistant experience.

The conversation with Zuckerberg also delved into Meta’s commitment to artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the strategic importance of open-sourcing AI models. While Meta champions open-source initiatives, the company exercises responsibility in releasing advanced capabilities to ensure ethical usage.

Interestingly, while AI models often prioritize coding prowess, Meta’s approach with Llama-3 differed. Coding wasn’t the focus initially, but as demand shifted, Meta embraced coding to enhance reasoning and adaptability across diverse domains.

Zuckerberg envisions AI as a tool empowering individuals rather than replacing them, highlighting Meta’s commitment to human-centric AI development.

So, watch out for a blue circle that will pop up near your search bar on WhatsApp and other Meta-owned apps. With new AI capabilities and features rolling out frequently, the competitive nature of tech companies is propelling the industry to greater heights, making it more exciting with every passing day.

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