Leading instant messaging platform, WhatsApp is reportedly beta-testing an optional feature that will allow users to create stickers through AI technology. The feature would allow users to generate stickers by typing a prompt, thus ensuring they don’t rely on the custom ones. For now, only a select group of users have access to this feature.
Revealed by WABetaInfo, a site dedicated to spotting unreleased WhatsApp updates, the AI stickers feature is being tested through a Google Play beta program. This has been the standard practice for the application’s previous updates before their widespread release.
More users are expected to have access to it in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, there’s no word on when it will be rolled out to iOS users.
According to WaBetaInfo, the beta testers likely have a “Create” option which opens upon opening the keyboard within the sticker section. Before the AI creates the sticker, the user must input a description. For instance, if the prompt “dog DJing at a party” is inputted, the system will provide a couple of results that match that description.
Although companies like Open AI have used AI for image generation over the past few months, WhatsApp’s integration with stickers is unique. As such, it unlocks a new use case for generative AI. It’s expected that WhatsApp’s many users will jump on this trend to personalize their stickers.
It is worth mentioning that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is supplying the technology used to create the stickers. With AI usage comes concerns ranging from data privacy to the possibility that it could be used for harmful purposes.
WABetaInfo noted that the technology used to generate the stickers is secure. Additionally, it stated that users would always be in control over the stickers. As such, they are encouraged to report instances of inappropriate or harmful stickers to Meta. Furthermore, measures to ensure the AI stickers are easily recognizable are being put in place.
Read also: WhatsApp to battle Microsoft, Zoom and Google with screen-sharing feature
WhatsApp stepping up the instant messaging game
WhatsApp has recently been on a roll regarding product updates. Last week, it joined the video conferencing segment by beta-testing a screen-sharing ability for its video call feature. Despite being a sector dominated by headlights like Microsoft’s Teams and Google’s Meet, the Meta-owned application is unfazed.
Three weeks ago, it announced a feature that allowed people to send short videos in chats. Four months ago, a handful of security-related features were introduced. Essentially, WhatsApp hasn’t slowed down in its efforts to grow through innovative updates.
Its AI stickers feature may be a hit or a miss depending on how it addresses concerns regarding AI. Although it has shed light on how it hopes to tackle possible instances of inappropriate stickers, one expects that some users may find a workaround. Therefore, it must explore further ways to ensure users can create pleasant stickers only.
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