❯ WeChat tests Xiaowei AI social feature that lets assistants discuss requests before users make the final decision

Assistants conferA September 7 hands-on report by Jiemian says WeChat’s Xiaowei can communicate with a friend’s Xiaowei, bring back the result and request user confirmation when a decision is needed. These exchanges appear inside Xiaowei rather than the users’ personal chat. The feature remains in testing and has not launched as a service for all WeChat users. Hands-on report.

Native servicesThe native assistant, already under limited testing, is accessible from the upper-left corner of WeChat’s main screen. Tencent customer service told Sina Technology that Xiaowei can operate WeChat features, search, create content, summarize chats, suggest replies and invoke mini programs. Connecting the capabilities could let an assistant clarify another person’s preferences and then call services within WeChat. Tencent had not responded to the new social-feature report at publication. Customer-service account.

Fewer exchangesWeChat already holds contacts and services in one app. Scheduling, clarifying requirements and finding a service can involve repeated confirmations; Xiaowei aims to handle that back-and-forth. Keeping the final decision with the user defines the product’s role: the assistant narrows the options, and the person makes the final commitment. Results must come back complete enough to reduce the user’s communication costs.

▪ SIGNALWeChat already has the contacts and mini programs; Xiaowei needs to connect the steps between clarifying a request and getting it done.