Tencent's super-app WeChat has begun a small-scale beta test of a native AI assistant called Xiaowei in mainland China in late June 2026. It can be operated by text or voice and is currently limited to a select group of users.
June 22 · Tencent
WeChat Gets an AI Agent: Tencent Quietly Tests "Xiaowei"
Inside China's largest super app, a new generative-AI assistant can send messages, hail rides, order food, book hotels and make images — all without leaving the app. For now, only a hand-picked sliver of users can try it.
1.3–1.4B
WeChat user base the agent could eventually reach
2
Inputs supported — text and voice
2
Models behind it — WeLM primary, DeepSeek complement
What Xiaowei can do in-app
Native controls — send messages, change settings, make calls
Mini-programs — ride-hailing, food delivery, hotel booking, package tracking
Image generation
Build a mini-program from one prompt — single user only, not shareable
Model stack
WeLM
Tencent's in-house LLM — primary
+
DeepSeek
Open-source — fallback / complement
Tencent's familiar playbook
Small grayscale release
→
Refine
→
Expand
Eligibility depends on what appears on screen — full launch timing, pricing and benchmarks remain undisclosed.
High expectations
"Send messages, order coffee and even generate images without switching apps" — seen as a standout example of AI-agent implementation, with developers eyeing future business integration.
Cautious view
Still in gradual rollout and may be rough. Large-scale real-world evaluation is limited while the test stays small.
Continue reading The rest of this article is for AI News Blitz readers. Choose an option below to keep reading.
Already purchased? Sign in ✓ Signed in — this article isn’t included in your current plan.Unlocking the full article…