WhatsApp is testing a Imagine a shortcut that will allow users to generate AI-powered images, according to the report. The instant messaging app has reportedly been experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) features such as AI-generated profile photos and stickers for some time. As part of its AI initiatives, Meta introduced a chat assistant called Meta AI in 2023 across all its apps including WhatsApp in select regions, bringing chat capabilities and image generation features to users.
AI images on WhatsApp
According to a report by WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform’s shortcut for the image generation feature has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.12.4. It reportedly allows users to quickly generate AI-powered images using the app’s Meta AI.
Namely, Meta AI already has image generation capabilities, but they can only be accessed via text queries by tagging the AI chatbot with “@Meta AI” in group chats. With this rumored feature, it is speculated that it could enable rapid image generation for those who frequently communicate through AI images.
Imagine quickly generating images using shortcuts using artificial intelligence on WhatsApp
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
As you can see in the screenshot, a new hotkey has been called up Imagine it is seen in the attachments option through which the capabilities of the Meta AI image generator can be invoked. According to the report, it is present in the beta version of WhatsApp
The report further suggests that it might only be available to users who already have Meta AI. The chatbot is currently only available in select countries including the US, Australia, Canada, South Africa and others. However, Meta is testing the WhatsApp chatbot in India as well. The report further suggests that quick image generation via shortcuts is still under development and not even available to beta testers of WhatsApp for Android. It is speculated that it will be introduced to a wider audience in the future.
Other AI features on WhatsApp
Meta’s instant messaging platform is also testing an AI-powered Profile Photos feature that reportedly allows users to generate profile pictures with AI. Users must provide a query with a description of the image they want to generate on a new page under the title Create an AI profile picture, the report says. It then allegedly generates a custom photo that matches the given description. This feature was spotted in WhatsApp for Android version 2.24.11.17.
