WhatsApp introduces AI‑generated profile pictures with selfies

The Verge notes that WhatsApp is close to completing the new feature, which will allow users to generate profile pictures using artificial intelligence easily. All that's needed is to take a few "sample" selfies, which will then be used to create AI graphics. According to reports from WABetaInfo, the beta version 2.24.14.13 of WhatsApp on Android already features a draft of this new option, which utilizes Meta AI.

It will take some more time before it is implemented in the stable version of WhatsApp, but the overall process is already becoming apparent. If users want to generate new AI pictures, WhatsApp will ask them to take a few photos, which will be used to analyze the user's likeness.

This data will be stored as input for the Meta AI service, which generates "avatars" with the user's likeness in new circumstances—for example, against a forest backdrop or in outer space. Input data can be changed in the future, for instance, if the user's appearance changes noticeably, which may influence the generated AI images.

According to WABetaInfo, similar to many other AI-based chats, creating a new image will also involve some sort of command given to the artificial intelligence during a conversation. Users can make a command like "Meta AI, imagine me..." and complete it themselves, thus verbally describing the scene in which the character should appear in the final graphic. Of course, it is assumed that all unethical and inappropriate commands will be blocked.

WhatsApp will also allow users to generate images the same way during conversations as graphics when sending chats. According to the declaration, only the command to Meta AI (initiated with the appropriate @ marker) will be sent for processing by the software. WhatsApp will still not have access to the content of conversations, as end-to-end encryption ensures privacy in this case.