WhatsApp is one of the most widely used social media applications for daily conversations and sharing media files. With the continuous evolution in technology and increasing acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI), WhatsApp is now integrating AI into its functioning. In September 2023, at the Annual Connect Conference Meta announced several AI products and features that will be made available on the online messaging app.
“We are inspired by the possibilities of Generative AI, and how it can help people be more creative, productive, and entertained simply by sending a message. With so many conversations taking place on WhatsApp, we want to help people all over the world access this emerging technology,” WhatsApp said in a blog.
To start with, the company has already introduced three AI services which some users can test while chatting with their friends and family. The services are:
AI stickers
WhatsApp users can create a custom sticker that represents a thought or idea that is just right for their chat. “we’re introducing ways for people to create stickers, as well as chat with and create images using an AI assistant built by our parent company Meta. We’re also adapting the WhatsApp API so that developers and businesses can use it to create AI-powered chat experiences for their customers,” the company said in a blog.
AI chats
With Meta’s AIs, users can ask any question to find out more about topics or try and settle a debate in group chat. “We’ll make chats with AI visually distinct so it’s clear these are different from personal messages and conversations. You have to take action to start the conversation by opening a chat or sending a message to the AI. Only you or a group participant can initiate this, not Meta or WhatsApp,” the blog read.
Photorealistic Image Generation
By typing the prompt /imagine, AIs allow users to generate images to represent an idea, place, or person.
“In addition, we’re interested in helping businesses improve the quality and speed of services they provide to people through the AI of their choice. We’re working behind the scenes with a few partners now and we’ll have more to say about this in the months to come,” WhatsApp further said.
The company has also asked for the feedback of the AI services they have introduced.