WhatsApp Working on Personalized AI Avatars Feature for Users

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will help users create personalized AI avatars for themselves that can be placed in multiple virtual settings. As reported by The Verge, the feature, seen in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.14.7, uses a combination of user-supplied photos, text prompts, and Meta’s AI Llama model to generate these custom avatars.

According to screenshots captured by The Verge, users will have the ability to imagine themselves in any setting, from a forest to space. The generated photos are reportedly reminiscent of photos produced by popular AI generators like Lensa AI or Snapchat’s Dreams selfie feature.

To generate these personalized avatars, WhatsApp users will initially have to submit their photos, which will serve as reference photos for Meta AI. Users can then create their avatars by typing a command like imagine me followed by setting details in Meta AI chat, or by using “@Meta AI imagine me…” in other WhatsApp conversations.

This feature is expected to be optional and users will need to manually turn it on in WhatsApp Settings. Additionally, users will have the ability to remove the reference photo stored in Meta AI settings at any time, taking privacy and control over personal data. There is currently no information about the general availability of this new AI avatar feature. WhatsApp continues to support its Meta AI chatbot and real-time AI photo generation capabilities, particularly in the United States.

So according to The Verge, the launch of the AI ​​avatar feature could be done gradually as WhatsApp and Meta navigate the issues associated with generative AI tools. Given past challenges with generative AI technology, Meta is taking a better vision to provide the functionality and security of this upcoming feature.