You’ve probably heard the saying, “The best ability is availability.” While most would argue that ChatGPT is superior to Meta AI for many use cases, Meta AI counters with its widespread availability.
Meta AI is accessible through WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and the web, similar to other chatbots.
Interestingly, some people choose Meta AI even when they have access to alternatives like Gemini and other AI chatbots. I spoke to one such person just yesterday.
Meta AI was introduced to WhatsApp Business, but it didn’t work for me initially. It’s functioning now, but Meta has since launched another AI assistant specifically for WhatsApp Business (WB) called “AI for WhatsApp Business.”
The first question is: Was this new assistant necessary if WB users already had access to Meta AI?
The initial integration of Meta AI with WB was a bit clunky—and, to be honest, still somewhat confusing. You couldn’t access Meta AI in the WB mobile app, but you could if you linked your WB account to a desktop app. This confusion arose because there isn’t a dedicated WB app; instead, users rely on the WhatsApp Messenger app, causing issues.
As I mentioned, accessing Meta AI this way didn’t work initially—it simply wouldn’t respond. Now, it does respond, but since there’s no button to access it from the mobile app, it uses a US phone number and describes itself as an AI character in its description.
That was then; this is now…
AI for WhatsApp Business
Why the different name? Apparently, this AI differs from Meta AI. I asked both AIs what set “AI for WhatsApp Business” apart from Meta AI, and here’s what they said:
- Meta AI: “Think of me as a general-purpose AI assistant, while ‘AI for WhatsApp Business’ is a specialised tool for businesses to manage their WhatsApp conversations.”
- AI for WhatsApp Business: “I have capabilities tailored to business needs, such as managing your business presence, running ads, and engaging customers. While I share some similarities with Meta AI, my primary focus is on business-related tasks and providing business-specific solutions.”
Don’t confuse these two with a separate solution called “AI from Meta,” which WB users in select countries have been testing for the past few months.
As for AI for WB, its key features can be summarised as follows:
- Conversational AI: Helps businesses manage customer inquiries, streamline searches, and personalise marketing.
- Image Generation: Enables businesses to create images and marketing content within chats using prompts. The AI can also animate images and generate custom stickers.
- Marketing Campaigns: Assists in creating targeted campaigns, optimising ads, and engaging with customers who show interest (e.g., abandoned carts). It even uses behavioural data from Facebook and Instagram to target marketing messages.
- Customer Service Automation: Supports businesses in responding to customer queries about products, services, and transactions, providing product recommendations and updates.
If you’re a business user, explore what this new AI can do for you—you might just find the competitive edge you’ve been seeking.
AI for WhatsApp Business is rolling out, so look out for it in your app.
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10 comments
The downside of whatsapp updates is a fat application with a voracious appetite for storage. Its okay though. I love my beta version.
I think techzim should create an application for this site just like pindula
It would be great for TechZim to have its own dedicated app,It would be great to have push notifications for new articles.
The application is available on playstore
Thank you
This is off-topic but, I need a bit of help here. How does the Starlink mini package differ from the Standard home package? Is it just a pricing thing or what?
On the Starlink mini package you get speeds of up to 100mbs whilst on the standard one you get speeds of up to 200mbs
Moreso, during peak hours you get slower speeds on the Starlink mini but the speeds doesn’t change on the standard one
I have been using Meta AI in both (whatsapp and the business app) its full of crap.. eg …if you ask for an image that is straight forward it gives you rubbish… I asked them both for an image of starlink mini kit… Ohhh hell no no it gave me a deill bit.. imagine…. I have stopped using it … It’s totally rubbish
Is this not a case of rubbish in rubbish out? (Iam using rubbish cause that’s the word you used). See you can’t ask Meta to advertise Starlink. And moreso Starlink may have their own patents to protect so they won’t allow them to be used by anyone without their consent. And this might include images of their products. Why not go to Starlink direct.
This is interesting thanks. I wonder how well it will work for an election campaign😉