Features

AI is all the rage and WhatsApp has joined in on the action with two new AI-centric updates on the way.

The instant messaging platform is reportedly developing a feature that allows users to edit their images using an editing tool powered by GenAI. According to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.13 update contains the feature. It is designed to let users edit the background of the image, restyle the image, and expand the image.

The publication also included a sneak peek of the feature in the form of a screenshot. There’s a green icon visible at the top of the shared image, to the left of the HD icon. Backdrop, Restyle, and Expand options appear upon tapping it. It’s unclear right now what each of these features does because the feature is still in development.

Another AI feature that’s in the works by WhatsApp intends to improve user interaction by integrating Meta AI directly into the search bar. This way, users can access Meta AI without having to navigate to a separate Meta AI conversation. Discovered by WABetaInfo, this feature is included in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.14 to increase user interaction with Meta AI, the company’s GenAI assistant.

It has been reported that WhatsApp will introduce prompts into the search bar to encourage user engagement and make it easier for users to engage with Meta AI. This integration allows for quick access to AI-powered assistance, which improves convenience while also saving time.

Users may not be able to test out the following features even after updating to the most recent version of the app because they are still in development. Before being made available to testers on the beta channel and subsequently to all users, these features are anticipated to go through additional development and improvement.

It is expected that iOS users will also have access to these features, making sure that the feature set across both mobile platforms is the same.