Photo Credit: Reuters 3v6d2p
WhatsApp will soon let all s generate group icons using Meta AI
WhatsApp has started testing two new features on recent beta versions of the messaging app on Android. The Meta-owned chat service has added a new widget that makes it easier for s to access its Meta AI chatbot, without having to open the app. Meanwhile, a new AI-generated group icon feature is available to some beta testers, and s can use Meta AI to create and set group photos using prompts. These features are eventually expected to make their way to all s on WhatsApp for iOS and Android.
After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.10 (via feature tracker WABetaInfo), some beta testers will see a new option that allows them to generate images using Meta AI. After tapping on the pencil icon while viewing a group's existing icon, s will be presented with a fifth option titled Create AI Image.
Meta AI widgets (left) and AI-powered group icons
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
Gadgets 360 was able to confirm that the feature is available on the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android. After tapping on Create AI Image, s will see a Meta AI prompt screen. Beta testers can enter a prompt and wait for the chatbot to generate multiple images, then swipe through the options to pick a new group icon.
Meanwhile, the more recent WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.14 update that rolled out to testers a couple of days ago introduced a new widget that can be added to the home screen. This is essentially a shortcut that allows s to quickly access the Meta AI chatbot, without first having to open WhatsApp.
While WABetaInfo's screenshot shows a much larger widget that has three selectable buttons — Ask Meta AI, Camera, and Voice — Gadgets 360 was only able to add a slimmer version of the widget, which shows the Ask Meta AI button after installing WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.14.
Tapping the Ask Meta AI button takes s to a chat with the Meta AI chatbot in WhatsApp, and s can either type in a query or use the Camera and Voice buttons for photo based or audio prompts. s on the stable channel will need to open WhatsApp and select the Meta AI floating action button (FAB) to access the Meta AI chatbot, until the new widget is rolled out to all s.
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