By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will allow users to create personalized AI avatars of themselves, capable of being placed in various virtual settings. According to The Verge, this feature, discovered in the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.24.14.7, utilizes a combination of user provided images, text prompts, and Meta's AI Llama model to generate custom avatars.
Screenshots captured by The Verge indicate that users will be able to envision themselves "in any setting, from the forest to outer space." The generated images are said to be similar to those produced by popular AI generators like Lensa AI or Snapchat's "Dreams" selfie feature.
To create these personalized avatars, WhatsApp users will need to submit photographs of themselves as reference images for Meta AI. Users can then generate avatars by typing commands such as "Imagine me" followed by a description of the desired setting in Meta AI chat or by using "Meta AI imagine me." in other WhatsApp conversations. This feature will be optional and will require users to manually enable it in WhatsApp settings. Additionally, users will have the ability to delete the reference images stored in Meta AI settings at any time, ensuring privacy and control over personal data.
Despite its innovative potential, there is no specific timeline for the general availability of this new AI avatar feature. WhatsApp continues to roll out support for its Meta AI chatbot and real time AI image generation capabilities, particularly in the United States. Consequently, the launch of the AI avatar feature may be subject to gradual deployment as WhatsApp and Meta navigate the complexities associated with generative AI tools, according to The Verge. Given previous challenges with generative AI technologies, Meta appears to be taking a cautious approach to ensure the functionality and security of this upcoming feature.
As development progresses, WhatsApp users can anticipate a new dimension of personalization and creativity in their messaging experience, facilitated by advanced AI capabilities.
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