Kunal Shah, the new head of WhatsApp, said the app should be easier to use and its artificial intelligence-based capabilities should be broader. He spoke about his priorities after being appointed to the post, but did not name specific timelines for launching the changes.

Shah names voice messages as a key focus. He wants them to be easier to record and send, and to allow people to convey their thoughts more expressively. He sets the same goal for group chats, stickers and video calls. The idea is to make the app's familiar features more convenient for everyday use, rather than to replace them with new services.

Shah also spoke about developing artificial intelligence features in WhatsApp. As an example of practical application, he cited reminders for appointments, notes and bookings. Such scenarios link artificial intelligence to users' everyday tasks: it should help not only with communication but also with keeping track of important events. At the same time, the available materials do not reveal which artificial intelligence capabilities, beyond reminders, are planned or how extensive they will be.

No timeline for implementing the changes was specified, so for now these are the new head's intentions rather than announced updates. It is not known how quickly the new features will become available to users in India and other countries, or how the changes will affect the current operation of voice messages, groups and stickers.

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messengers in the world, and any changes to its interface and features affect a large share of users. That is why statements about simplifying everyday scenarios, such as voice messages and groups, have practical significance. Still, the real effect can only be assessed once specific features appear in the app, rather than at the level of general intentions.

Source: techcrunch.com

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