WhatsApp chief outlines plans for messaging, payments and AI

WhatsApp chief Kunal Shah has set out plans to make the messaging app’s conversations more expressive, simplify everyday transactions and use artificial intelligence to help users complete tasks. The priorities are strategic aims; Shah did not announce launch dates or identify specific financial-services or telecom partners.

In a note outlining his priorities, Shah said WhatsApp would improve voice notes, group chats, stickers and video. He said the goal was to make those features simpler and more expressive as communication habits change. Users send more than 10 billion voice messages and over four billion stickers on the platform each day, he said.

Shah also said WhatsApp is working with financial-services and telecom partners to reduce the steps involved in tasks that begin in a chat. Examples he gave included paying bills, borrowing money and staying connected while travelling. He said users often have to leave WhatsApp to finish such activities, and the partner work is intended to make completing them easier.

The third priority is artificial intelligence. Shah said AI should help users find information, get things done and avoid missing bookings or appointments. He described...