Occasionally, Meta-owned WhatsApp introduces some genuinely useful changes. At other times, it feels as though it’s simply looking for something to do to pass the time until it has another brainwave. Unfortunately, according to a new report from WhatsApp wizards WABetaInfo, the latest additions unearthed in the new Android 2.24.11.17 update, fall under the latter.
AI this, AI that, AI profile pictures
Because AI is everywhere, and Meta has money to throw at the world’s favourite buzzword, WhatsApp has recently introduced a host of AI-centric features. The most controversial of which is the new Meta AI search bar plaguing some users’ home pages across the messenger, and even on Instagram’s explore page. If you’ve yet to experience the change, count yourself lucky. It’s coming, and it won’t be leaving anytime soon.
The newest addition, picked up in the Android 2.24.11.17 beta update, is a far less substantial change, but one that allows WhatsApp to flex its generative AI muscles for the fun of it. Taking a page out of WhatsApp’s AI sticker feature, the messenger is working on a feature allowing users to generate a profile picture from just a couple of words of text. Generative AI, in other words.
Read More: All my WhatsApps were lost. I’m thrilled.
WABetaInfo hasn’t yet provided any sort of release window, but mentions that the feature is still “under development” — and has yet to reach beta testers — meaning a release could still be a ways away. There’s no word on how WhatsApp is powering the feature, but we’re guessing it involves Meta’s latest Llama 3 model, which it calls “the most capable openly available LLM to date.”