WhatsApp Developing AI Avatar Generator for Personalized User Images in Various Settings

WhatsApp is developing a personalized AI avatar generator that will allow users to imagine themselves in various settings, from forests to outer space, using a combination of user photos, text prompts, and Meta’s AI Llama model.

Key details of the upcoming feature: The in-development “Imagine” AI feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android and is expected to generate personalized avatars for users:

• Users will need to take photos of themselves once to train the Meta AI to produce images in their likeness.
• Avatars can be generated by typing “Imagine me” with a description of the setting in the Meta AI chat or by using the command “@Meta AI imagine me…” in other WhatsApp conversations.
• The feature will be optional and require manual enablement in WhatsApp settings, with the ability to delete reference images at any time via Meta AI settings.

Timing and rollout considerations: WhatsApp is still in the process of introducing AI-powered features, suggesting a cautious approach to launching the new avatar generator:

• The Meta AI chatbot is currently being rolled out, alongside real-time AI image generation for US users.
• No specific timeline has been provided for the general availability of the Imagine AI selfie feature.
• Meta’s previous issues with generative AI tools may contribute to a more measured release strategy for the new avatar generator.

Broader context and implications: The development of the personalized AI avatar generator aligns with the growing trend of AI-powered features in messaging and social media apps:

• WhatsApp’s Imagine feature bears similarities to popular AI avatar generators like Lensa AI and Snapchat’s “Dreams” selfie feature.
• The integration of generative AI capabilities into WhatsApp highlights Meta’s continued investment in AI technology and its potential to enhance user engagement and experiences within its platforms.
• As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, concerns around privacy, security, and the responsible use of user data may come to the forefront, necessitating clear communication and robust safeguards from companies like Meta.