Tencent is advancing plans to launch an embedded AI agent within WeChat, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is testing a prototype that can help users complete tasks within the app and plans to begin the regulatory approval process required before a public rollout as early as this month.
Following that process, Tencent intends to conduct testing with a small group of external users before gradually expanding availability. However, the timing of a full public launch remains uncertain, as the duration of the regulatory review process is not yet clear.
According to a person who has seen an early demonstration, users will be able to access the AI agent’s chat interface by swiping right from the WeChat home screen. They can then enter commands, allowing the agent to automatically connect with WeChat’s millions of mini programs and complete tasks such as finding cafés based on specific taste and price preferences and ordering drinks on the user’s behalf. [Jiwei, in Chinese]
