New WhatsApp feature uses AI to create custom profile pictures
11:17 AM EDT, May 23, 2024
WhatsApp is developing a new feature for creating profile pictures using artificial intelligence. Although the feature is still in the testing phase, it is already known that the application can generate images based solely on "prompts" or textual descriptions.
WABetaInfo has highlighted this upcoming feature in WhatsApp. Test version 2.24.11.17 for Android discovered a new module that allows users to create profile pictures using artificial intelligence. As with similar tools, generating the image involves entering prompts or a text description of what should be included in the picture. It is not yet known when this new feature will be available in the stable version of WhatsApp.
No example images were presented, which may indicate that the feature is not fully operational yet. At this stage, it remains uncertain whether WhatsApp's creators will allow the generation of realistic profile pictures that are hard to distinguish from photographs or if the generated images will be intentionally caricatured or distinctly "cartoonish" to ensure users do not mistake them for real photos.
It can be safely assumed that, in addition to the user-entered description, additional restrictions will be imposed "under the hood" to prevent the generation of universally offensive images. WhatsApp is being developed quite efficiently, so it can be expected that the new option will take its final shape in the coming weeks or months, and real tests of AI-generated images can commence.
A profile picture generated by artificial intelligence on WhatsApp might be more interesting than having no picture at all, especially for those who do not want to share their authentic image with others.