WhatsApp is enhancing the user experience with a new artificial intelligence-driven feature called “Fast Summary.” This tool, appearing in the beta version 2.25.21.12 for Android, is designed for users juggling numerous active chats.

The functionality allows individuals to select up to five conversations from their home screen. Upon tapping the “Fast Summary” icon, the AI will condense the unread messages from these selected chats into a concise overview. This innovation means users can grasp the gist of multiple conversations without needing to open each chat individually.

This advancement builds on WhatsApp’s previous experiments with summarizing individual chats. However, the new “Fast Summary” offers a more comprehensive solution by addressing multiple conversations simultaneously.

User Control Emphasized

As with other AI initiatives from WhatsApp, the “Fast Summary” feature will be entirely optional. It will be deactivated by default, requiring users to manually enable it. This approach ensures users maintain control over their data and how the AI interacts with their messages.

The move toward AI-powered summarization reflects a broader trend in messaging apps. For instance, Slack introduced AI-powered message summarization to help users stay informed in busy channels. According to Statista, as of 2023, WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion monthly active users globally, highlighting the potential impact of such features on a massive user base.