Tencent AI Agent Buys with WeChat Pay: WorkBuddy Integrates

Tencent has integrated its desktop artificial intelligence agent, WorkBuddy, into WeChat Pay. This allows the AI to search for deals, start purchases, and complete transactions for users within the WeChat ecosystem. The integration was announced Wednesday and currently covers local lifestyle services like group-buying on Meituan. Users can ask WorkBuddy to find nearby dining deals. The AI then recommends options based on location and preferences. It initiates payment from a dedicated AI card on WeChat Pay, and the user confirms the purchase on their phone. This move reflects a broader trend among Chinese tech giants to embed AI agents into their apps, aiming to streamline services and dominate digital platforms. This could change how you find and pay for local services.