Insider Sportlight
The latest push reflects an industry-wide effort to make AI tools available where people already spend much of their time — inside everyday conversations.
Rakuten Viber has partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT-powered features directly into the Viber app for users in the Philippines, according to a company release.
The integration allows users to access AI tools without switching between applications, lowering barriers to adoption for consumers unfamiliar with standalone AI platforms.
Why it matters
Technology firms are increasingly embedding AI capabilities into existing products instead of requiring users to seek out dedicated AI services, a strategy aimed at accelerating mainstream adoption.
Among the new features is a dedicated ChatGPT contact and tab within Viber, allowing users to ask questions, brainstorm ideas, search for information, or get assistance with tasks directly inside the messaging app.
Users can also tag ChatGPT in private and group conversations to generate responses and suggestions visible to other participants.
The rollout includes Image Remix, powered by ChatGPT Images, which allows users to modify and personalize photos shared in chats.
Additional tools include Link Summary for articles and documents, Chat Summary for busy conversations, message translation, and a message- polishing feature designed to improve tone and clarity before sending.
Easier more creative
The AI-powered tools are available to Viber users on iOS and Android devices. Most features do not require a ChatGPT account, while Image Remix requires users to log in or create a free ChatGPT account.
“We want to make everyday communication easier and more creative,” Rakuten Viber CEO Ofir Eyal said.
“Partnering with OpenAI means we can bring ChatGPT to our users in the Philippines to add real, day-to-day value - even if they would never have sought it out on their own. Whether you’re drafting the perfect message, remixing an image, or just exploring a new idea, this is now built into the app people already use every day," Eyal added.
OpenAI VP and head of global business development Torben Severson said the partnership brings AI assistance closer to the moments when users need it most.
“Messaging is where so much of everyday life happens. With ChatGPT in Viber, people can get helpful, creative support right in the moment, from finding the right words to catching up on busy chats or remixing a photo. We’re excited to partner with Rakuten Viber to bring these tools into an app people already use every day,” Severson said.
The bottom line
The partnership underscores how the next phase of AI adoption may be driven less by standalone AI apps and more by the integration of AI capabilities into platforms consumers already use every day. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
