WhatsApp Working on AI Character Creation for Personalised Chatbots
Meta’s WhatsApp is developing a new feature that will enable users to design custom AI characters directly within the app.
This new functionality, spotted by the feature tracker WABetaInfo, is expected to work similarly to existing tools on Instagram and Messenger.
Users will be able to create their own virtual chatbots, define their personality traits, and even generate a unique profile picture.
Customising AI Chatbots with Personality Traits
WhatsApp’s upcoming feature will allow users to create AI characters by typing prompts to describe the chatbot’s personality and interests.
According to WABetaInfo, users will have the option to enter up to 1,000 characters in their description.
The AI will then take these inputs to create a fully customised virtual character.
To assist users in the creative process, WhatsApp will also offer suggestions at the bottom of the screen, providing a starting point for users to shape their chatbots.
The integration of text-based prompts is expected to enable a wide range of customisation, with users able to craft a chatbot that reflects their personality or area of interest.
This mirrors similar features found on other Meta-owned platforms, like Instagram and Messenger, where users can design virtual characters with specific qualities.
Profile Picture and Bio Generation for AI Characters
In line with features seen on Instagram and Messenger, WhatsApp’s AI character creation will also include the ability to generate a profile picture and bio for the chatbot.
Once users describe their character’s traits and interests, the AI will create an image and write a bio that matches the provided inputs.
This ensures that users can bring their virtual characters to life with both a visual and descriptive identity, enhancing the overall experience.
While the feature is still in development and not yet available for beta testers, screenshots shared by WABetaInfo suggest that users will have a full suite of customisation options at their disposal.
This could make WhatsApp an even more engaging platform for users looking to explore AI-driven conversations.
Separate Tab for Managing AI Chatbots
WhatsApp is reportedly adding a dedicated tab specifically for managing AI characters.
This tab will display all the custom chatbots a user has created, along with other public AI characters.
It’s currently unclear whether these AI bots will be exclusive to WhatsApp or whether they can be integrated across other Meta platforms.
The introduction of a new tab for AI characters could simplify the process of accessing and managing multiple chatbots, offering a centralised location for users to interact with their AI creations.
Additionally, the new feature could allow users to explore AI characters created by others, providing a more dynamic and interactive environment within the app.
AI Studio: The Technology Behind the Feature
WABetaInfo’s findings suggest that WhatsApp’s AI character creation feature will make use of AI Studio, the same technology behind similar features on Instagram and Messenger.
This tool could allow users to either start from scratch or work with pre-existing templates when designing their chatbots.
Given the familiarity of AI Studio on other platforms, users can likely expect a streamlined and intuitive interface that simplifies the character creation process.
As WhatsApp continues to develop this new feature, it remains to be seen whether it will bring additional customisation options or new functionalities to enhance the AI experience.
However, the reported integration of profile pictures, bios, and privacy settings suggests that WhatsApp is aiming for a comprehensive, user-friendly platform for AI-driven chatbots.
Why Is This Feature Significant for WhatsApp and When Will It Be Released?
Although still in its early stages, the new AI character creation tool could significantly expand WhatsApp’s capabilities, giving users more ways to engage with the app and its AI features.
Currently, the feature is still under development, with no confirmed release date.
While the 2.25.1.26 beta update has revealed the existence of the tool, users will need to wait until it becomes available in future updates.