WhatsApp Explores AI-Powered Sticker Generation in Latest Beta
In a move that capitalizes on the current frenzy surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, appears to be delving into AI technology with a potential new feature. A select group of users has recently stumbled upon a novel AI sticker generation tool within the latest beta version of WhatsApp, allowing them to craft personalized images for sharing with friends and contacts.
As revealed by vigilant users and reported by WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp beta news, the platform is quietly testing an AI implementation in its beta version. This intriguing feature is nestled within the stickers tab, accessible while composing a new message. A conspicuous "Create" button has materialized, and upon tapping it, a keyboard emerges. Users can then input imaginative prompts that prompt WhatsApp's AI model to generate bespoke stickers for seamless conversation enhancement.
At present, no concrete examples of the AI-generated stickers have been showcased, barring the screenshots that have ignited interest. Participation in the WhatsApp beta version is reserved for those enlisted in the Google Play Store beta program, and further still, only a chosen subset of beta testers is privy to this groundbreaking update. Notably, the integration of the AI sticker button seems to have been introduced via a server-side change accompanied by the 2.23.17.8 version.
The specifics of the generative AI model employed by WhatsApp remain shrouded in mystery. Reports indicate that the AI model is delivered through Meta's secure infrastructure. While the exact AI model remains undisclosed, the AI domain has witnessed the emergence of various image-generation models over the past year, including notable instances like DALL-E, each with its own unique approach. Gaining insights into the model in question could shed light on the creative boundaries inherent in WhatsApp's offering. Even the most advanced AI models encounter creative limitations in their outputs.
The timeline for the rollout of this innovative AI sticker feature in WhatsApp remains uncertain. It is anticipated that before its official release, the feature will undergo expansion to encompass a wider pool of beta testers, followed by an additional phase of rigorous testing. Following successful testing phases, the feature will ideally grace public versions globally, though the journey to that point may be protracted. If you are one of the fortunate users who have accessed the new AI sticker feature on WhatsApp, your insights are valuable - feel free to share your experience in the comments section below. As the messaging giant continues to explore the AI landscape, users can look forward to innovative enhancements that augment their conversational experience.