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Meta AI on WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Have Real-Time Voice Chats

Meta AI on WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Have Real-Time Voice Chats

WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature for Android users that will allow them to have real-time voice conversations with Meta AI. As per a feature tracker, the new artificial intelligence (AI) feature is now rolling out to select beta testers, and allows users to either directly initiate voice chat or switch to it while within the chatbot’s interface. The real-time voice chat feature is said to also come with continuity capability, and users can talk to the AI while WhatsApp runs in the background.

According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform has begun testing Meta AI’s voice chat mode with some beta testers. The new feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.21.21 update. This feature was first mentioned in a March report, when the Meta-owned company was still working on it.

Meta AI voice chat interface
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo

 

Based on screenshots shared by the feature tracker, it appears that the voice mode feature comes with a lot of flexibility and personalisation options. Users can start two-way voice conversations with Meta AI by entering the chat interface and tapping on the waveform icon. Alternatively, they can also go to Settings and navigate to Voice Preferences to automatically enter voice mode when opening the chat interface. This option is disabled by default, and is only applicable for the chat tab.

On the other hand, when a user is on the Call tab, the Meta AI icon is said to automatically change to the waveform icon, and users will initiate a voice conversation with the chatbot by default. This was likely done to synchronise it with the Call tab’s functionality.

When in the voice chat mode, users will also see new suggested topics at the centre of the chat interface. This is added to help users get started with a conversation. The voice mode is also accompanied with a collapse icon located on the top left side. Just like collapsing WhatsApp calls with another user, this takes the voice chat to the background, allowing users to open another app while continuing the conversation.

WhatsApp is said to be offering multiple ways to end the voice conversation as well. They can either tap the X button located at the bottom or navigate outside of the chat interface. Alternatively, they can also begin typing a message in the text field to switch to text-mode. In case users are unsure whether the call is still ongoing, they can always check via the call’s notification alert and Android’s microphone alert indicator.

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#Meta #WhatsApp #RealTime #Voice #Chats

Five-year-old European military drone startup Helsing is reportedly close to raising a new $1.2 billion round at about an $18 billion valuation. The round is expected to be led by Dragoneer and co-led by existing Helsing investor Lightspeed, the Financial Times reported.

Helsing last raised just under a year ago, in June 2025, in a deal that was led by billionaire Spotify founder Daniel Ek. That was a €600 million investment at an estimated €12 billion valuation ($14 billion USD). So this new round is a step-up.

While Helsing isn’t the only European unicorn defense tech, it is by far the one that investors deem the most valuable. For instance, German drone maker Quantum Systems raised €180 million in November, which valued it at more than €3 billion. And a year ago, Lisbon-headquartered Tekever raised £400 million at a valuation above £1 billion. Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the proving ground for new technologies, autonomous defense startups have become a hot area for VCs.

Helsing, Dragoneer, and Lightspeed could not be immediately reached for comment.

#Daniel #Ekbacked #defense #tech #Helsing #raise #1.2B #18B #valuation #TechCrunchdrones,Fundraise,helsing">Daniel Ek-backed defense tech Helsing to raise .2B at B valuation | TechCrunch
Five-year-old European military drone startup Helsing is reportedly close to raising a new .2 billion round at about an  billion valuation. The round is expected to be led by Dragoneer and co-led by existing Helsing investor Lightspeed, the Financial Times reported.

Helsing last raised just under a year ago, in June 2025, in a deal that was led by billionaire Spotify founder Daniel Ek. That was a €600 million investment at an estimated €12 billion valuation ( billion USD). So this new round is a step-up.







While Helsing isn’t the only European unicorn defense tech, it is by far the one that investors deem the most valuable. For instance, German drone maker Quantum Systems raised €180 million in November, which valued it at more than €3 billion. And a year ago, Lisbon-headquartered Tekever raised £400 million at a valuation above £1 billion. Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the proving ground for new technologies, autonomous defense startups have become a hot area for VCs.

Helsing, Dragoneer, and Lightspeed could not be immediately reached for comment.


#Daniel #Ekbacked #defense #tech #Helsing #raise #1.2B #18B #valuation #TechCrunchdrones,Fundraise,helsing

Helsing is reportedly close to raising a new $1.2 billion round at about an $18 billion valuation. The round is expected to be led by Dragoneer and co-led by existing Helsing investor Lightspeed, the Financial Times reported.

Helsing last raised just under a year ago, in June 2025, in a deal that was led by billionaire Spotify founder Daniel Ek. That was a €600 million investment at an estimated €12 billion valuation ($14 billion USD). So this new round is a step-up.

While Helsing isn’t the only European unicorn defense tech, it is by far the one that investors deem the most valuable. For instance, German drone maker Quantum Systems raised €180 million in November, which valued it at more than €3 billion. And a year ago, Lisbon-headquartered Tekever raised £400 million at a valuation above £1 billion. Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the proving ground for new technologies, autonomous defense startups have become a hot area for VCs.

Helsing, Dragoneer, and Lightspeed could not be immediately reached for comment.

#Daniel #Ekbacked #defense #tech #Helsing #raise #1.2B #18B #valuation #TechCrunchdrones,Fundraise,helsing">Daniel Ek-backed defense tech Helsing to raise $1.2B at $18B valuation | TechCrunch

Five-year-old European military drone startup Helsing is reportedly close to raising a new $1.2 billion round at about an $18 billion valuation. The round is expected to be led by Dragoneer and co-led by existing Helsing investor Lightspeed, the Financial Times reported.

Helsing last raised just under a year ago, in June 2025, in a deal that was led by billionaire Spotify founder Daniel Ek. That was a €600 million investment at an estimated €12 billion valuation ($14 billion USD). So this new round is a step-up.

While Helsing isn’t the only European unicorn defense tech, it is by far the one that investors deem the most valuable. For instance, German drone maker Quantum Systems raised €180 million in November, which valued it at more than €3 billion. And a year ago, Lisbon-headquartered Tekever raised £400 million at a valuation above £1 billion. Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the proving ground for new technologies, autonomous defense startups have become a hot area for VCs.

Helsing, Dragoneer, and Lightspeed could not be immediately reached for comment.

#Daniel #Ekbacked #defense #tech #Helsing #raise #1.2B #18B #valuation #TechCrunchdrones,Fundraise,helsing
OPPO Find X9 Ultra. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.

OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”

OPPO Launches Filmmaker Accelerator Program in India With Discovery
	
Mobile photography used to be about taking the least muddied photo, but that’s not the case anymore. Smartphone photography is getting better every year, thanks to phones like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.



OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”






This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression. 



The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.



Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said




At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.




The biggest winner gets:




₹5 lakh cash prize



An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone



An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year



Official recognition across OPPO India platforms




To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.





#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo

This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression.

The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.

Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said

At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.

The biggest winner gets:

  • ₹5 lakh cash prize
  • An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone
  • An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year
  • Official recognition across OPPO India platforms

To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.

#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo">OPPO Launches Filmmaker Accelerator Program in India With Discovery
	
Mobile photography used to be about taking the least muddied photo, but that’s not the case anymore. Smartphone photography is getting better every year, thanks to phones like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.



OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”






This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression. 



The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.



Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said




At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.




The biggest winner gets:




₹5 lakh cash prize



An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone



An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year



Official recognition across OPPO India platforms




To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.





#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo

. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.

OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”

OPPO Launches Filmmaker Accelerator Program in India With Discovery
	
Mobile photography used to be about taking the least muddied photo, but that’s not the case anymore. Smartphone photography is getting better every year, thanks to phones like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.



OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”






This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression. 



The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.



Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said




At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.




The biggest winner gets:




₹5 lakh cash prize



An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone



An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year



Official recognition across OPPO India platforms




To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.





#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo

This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression.

The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.

Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said

At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.

The biggest winner gets:

  • ₹5 lakh cash prize
  • An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone
  • An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year
  • Official recognition across OPPO India platforms

To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.

#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo">OPPO Launches Filmmaker Accelerator Program in India With Discovery

Mobile photography used to be about taking the least muddied photo, but that’s not the case anymore. Smartphone photography is getting better every year, thanks to phones like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.

OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”

OPPO Launches Filmmaker Accelerator Program in India With Discovery
	
Mobile photography used to be about taking the least muddied photo, but that’s not the case anymore. Smartphone photography is getting better every year, thanks to phones like the OPPO Find X9 Ultra. And OPPO clearly wants to be at the center of that movement in India. The company has now announced a new Filmmaker Accelerator Program, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, as part of its newly launched OPPO LUMO Creator Program. The initiative is aimed at emerging Indian creators and focuses heavily on short-form mobile storytelling.



OPPO Wants Creators to “Meet Culture Anew”






This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression. 



The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.



Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said




At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.




The biggest winner gets:




₹5 lakh cash prize



An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone



An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year



Official recognition across OPPO India platforms




To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.





#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo

This year marks the third edition of OPPO’s Culture in a Shot initiative. Previous themes focused on documenting traditions and celebrations, but the 2026 edition shifts toward something broader. The new theme, “Meet Culture Anew, Make Your Moment,” focuses on how younger creators reinterpret culture through everyday moments, fashion, food, travel, and digital expression.

The centerpiece here is the Filmmaker Accelerator Program, which OPPO and Discovery are positioning as a proper mentorship pipeline for young creators. Selected participants will receive guidance from industry professionals across storytelling, filming, and post-production. OPPO will also provide access to its latest smartphones and creator grants.

Speaking on the matter, Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications at OPPO India, said

At OPPO, we believe technology should empower people to tell stories that matter.‘Culture in a Shot’ reflects our belief that culture is living, evolving, and best expressed through real people and everyday moments. With the introduction of a dedicated video category this year, we aim to inspire a new generation of creators to tell powerful stories through short-form visual content and share them with the world.

The biggest winner gets:

  • ₹5 lakh cash prize
  • An OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone
  • An opportunity to direct a collaborative short film with OPPO x Discovery later this year
  • Official recognition across OPPO India platforms

To participate, creators need to upload original videos on Instagram, 30 seconds to 10 minutes long, using hashtags such as #OPPOxDiscovery, #CultureInAShot, and #ShotOnOPPO. The contest runs from May 5 to July 15, 2026.

#OPPO #Launches #Filmmaker #Accelerator #Program #India #DiscoveryOppo

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