WhatsApp is testing an omniscient AI chatbot that will live in your search bar
WhatsApp is expected to receive a few AI-powered upgrades aimed at helping people answer tough questions instantly and edit images on the platform.
Starting with answering questions, the upgrade integrates one of Meta’s AI models into the WhatsApp search bar. By doing this, according to WABetaInfo, would allow users to enter questions directly without having to create a separate chat room for the AI. You can have a quick conversation on the same page.
It looks like this is an extension of the in-app assistants which originally came out in November 2023. A screenshot in the report shows that WhatsApp will provide a handful of prompts to get a conversation started.
It’s unknown how capable the search bar AI will be. The assistants are available in different personas that specialize in certain topics. But looking at the above screenshot, it looks like the search bar will contain the basic Meta AI model. It would be really nice if we could appoint the Snoop Dogg persona as the main assistant.
π WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.14: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a feature to ask questions to Meta AI, and it will be available in a future update! https://t.co/qSqJ9JobbK pic.twitter.com/ mKM9PLCF3VMarch 23, 2024
AI image editing
The second update is a collection of image editing features discovered by industry expert AssembleDebug after working in a recent WhatsApp beta. AssembleDebug discovered three possible upcoming tools: Background, Restyle, and Expand. It is not known exactly what they do, as none work. However, the first two share a name with other features currently available on Instagram, so they may essentially function in the same way.
Background allows users to change the background of an image to something else via a text prompt. Restyle can completely change the art style of an uploaded image. Think of these as filters, but more capable. You can turn a photo into a watercolor painting or pixel art. It is even possible to create completely unique content via a text prompt.
Expand is the new kid on the block. Judging from the name, AssembleDebug thinks it will harness the power of AI βto expand images beyond their visible area.β Such technology already exists on other platforms. For example, Photoshop features Genative Expand, and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series can expand images after adjusting them through rotation.
It would be a great addition if WhatsApp got this capability as it gives users a robust editing tool that is free. Most versions of this technology are locked behind a subscription or tied to a specific device.
Please note that at the time of writing this article, neither beta version is available to early testers. It’s still a work in progress, and as previously mentioned, we don’t know the full capabilities of either set. Regardless of their current status, it’s great to see that WhatsApp could one day be equipped with AI technology on the same level as what you’d find on Instagram, especially when it comes to the search bar assistant. The update makes access to that side of the metasoftware easier for everyone.
If you prefer to adjust images on a desktop, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best free photo editors for PC and Mac.