WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to create AI avatars of themselves to use in virtual settings. This feature was discovered in a beta version of the Android app by WABetaInfo. Users would upload photos of themselves and Meta’s AI model would generate an AI avatar that can be placed in different settings based on text prompts. While this feature is still in beta testing, it is not clear when it will be available to all users.
Creating AI avatars of real people is a unique offering that sets WhatsApp apart from other platforms like OpenAI and Google. These platforms are usually hesitant to create AI avatars of real individuals. Privacy and security concerns are raised with the use of AI avatars, and WhatsApp will need to ensure that user data is handled securely and that users have control over how their avatars are used. Offering this feature as optional is a step in the right direction.
The use of Meta’s AI interface across Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta properties suggests that WhatsApp may be a testing ground for a wider rollout of this feature. It will be interesting to see how users respond to this new offering and how WhatsApp addresses privacy and security concerns.
In addition to the AI avatar feature, WhatsApp recently introduced in-app custom stickers that users can create using text prompts. These new features are part of WhatsApp’s efforts to enhance user experience and engagement on the platform.
Overall, the development of AI avatars on WhatsApp opens up new possibilities for users to interact in virtual settings. As technology continues to advance, it will be important for platforms like WhatsApp to prioritize user privacy and security while offering innovative features to enhance the user experience.
