WhatsApp is set to introduce a new feature that will allow users to create personalized avatars using generative AI technology. This feature, currently in development, has been spotted in the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.14.7. The new feature is said to use a combination of user-supplied images, text prompts, and Meta’s AI Llama model to generate unique images for users.
According to reports, users will have the ability to imagine themselves in any setting, from a forest to outer space, using this new feature. The examples shared by WABetaInfo resemble images produced by AI generators found in apps like Lensa AI and Snapchat’s “Dreams” selfie feature. Users will be required to take photos of themselves to train the Meta AI system to create personalized avatars in various settings.
How It Works
To create their personalized avatars, WhatsApp users will need to take a photo of themselves once, which will then be used by Meta AI to generate images in their likeness. Users can generate their avatars by typing “Imagine me” followed by a description of the desired setting in the Meta AI chat or by typing “@Meta AI imagine me…” in other WhatsApp conversations. The feature will be optional and users will need to manually enable it in the WhatsApp settings.
As with any AI feature, privacy concerns are at the forefront. WABetaInfo mentions that users will have the ability to delete reference images at any time through the Meta AI settings. However, there is no indication of when the new Imagine AI selfie feature will be available to all users. WhatsApp is still in the process of rolling out support for its Meta AI chatbot and real-time AI image generation for users in the US. It may take some time before the new AI avatar feature is officially launched to the public.
The new feature by WhatsApp that allows for personalized avatars using generative AI technology is an exciting development in the world of messaging apps. While the feature offers users a fun way to create unique avatars, it is essential for Meta to take a cautious approach given past issues with generative AI tools. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how users will interact with these personalized avatars and the impact they will have on communication within the app.
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