Viber Introduces AI Summary For Unread Group Chats

The Israeli-developed instant messaging and calls app Rakuten Viber has introduced an AI-driven summary feature for unread messages in group chats.

The new feature can condense up to 100 unread messages from a group chat in one summary. It presents the most salient details in bullet form in a way that the company says is “not only saving time and energy but also enhancing decision-making and productivity.” 

The feature will have an initial gradual roll out in Bulgaria, Japan, the Philippines, Poland, Ukraine and the US, and more countries will follow. It will be available on devices using iOS or Android in over 50 languages. 

The summaries will initially focus on group chats, which according to Viber is users’ most popular form of communication, such as conversations about sports teams, school activities or planning an event.  

Only users who request the summaries will receive them, Viber says.  

“We’re constantly seeking new and innovative ways to make our users’ lives easier and simpler,” said Ofir Eyal, CEO of Rakuten Viber. 

“That’s why we’re harnessing the power of generative AI to save them time and make sure they don’t miss any important conversations: From classmates discussing school projects to friends or family making weekend plans on the go, our users can get up to speed in a flash on anything they might have missed.”

Viber was created in Tel Aviv in 2010 as an instant calling service and was acquired by Japanese multinational company Rakuten in 2014.