WhatsApp for Android is reportedly set to receive a new feature that allows its in-built AI chatbot, Meta AI, to edit and reply to images. This feature, which is currently under development, has not yet been made available even to those in the app’s beta program.
The upcoming functionality is expected to harness the power of Meta’s latest large language model, Llama 3, and will include privacy control options for users to protect their images.
According to WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp update tracker, the new feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.14.20. Despite being under wraps for now, screenshots shared by the tracker provide a glimpse into how the AI feature will work. The feature’s capabilities appear to be quite promising, offering a new level of interaction and utility within the app.
One of the most significant aspects of this update is Meta AI’s ability to respond to images. Currently, the AI chatbot can reply to text messages, but it lacks the ability to process or understand images.
With the new update, users will be able to post an image and ask the AI questions about it, similar to the functionalities seen in other AI tools like Gemini AI and ChatGPT. This would be a major enhancement, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive user experience within WhatsApp.
Another exciting feature is Meta AI’s potential to edit images. While the extent of these editing capabilities is not fully detailed yet, they could include basic edits such as improving lighting, cropping, and removing background objects.
There is also speculation that the AI might offer advanced editing options like changing the background and adding various effects, similar to the Magic Editor available on Pixel smartphones. If these advanced features are included, it would significantly elevate WhatsApp’s utility as a versatile communication tool.
Privacy remains a central concern with any AI integration, and WhatsApp seems to be addressing this with user control options. The screenshots reveal that photos sent to Meta AI will be analyzed, including facial features, but users will have the ability to delete these images anytime.
It remains unclear whether deleting the image from the user’s device will also remove it from Meta AI’s database. This aspect of user control will likely be crucial in determining user acceptance of the new feature.
An earlier report suggested that users might soon get access to Llama 3 and could switch between the new AI model and its predecessor, Llama 2. The older model, Llama 2, also possesses computer vision capabilities, which might support the new feature as well. This backward compatibility could provide users with a seamless transition and more options depending on their specific needs and preferences.
While the release date for these features remains uncertain, the integration of Llama 3 and the potential enhancements it brings to WhatsApp are eagerly anticipated. The combination of improved AI interactions and robust privacy measures could set a new standard for AI-powered communication tools. Users will be watching closely to see how these features develop and the impact they will have on their daily use of the app.
