A new beta update for WhatsApp for Android features Meta AI integrated directly into the app's search bar. The new feature lets users ask questions through prompts within the search interface, making it easier to interact with Meta AI. WhatsApp is building an AI-powered tool for users to edit their photos, including adjusting the background, restyling, and expansion.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024WhatsApp’s new swipeable bottom bar navigation is designed to be closer to users' thumbs and, therefore, easier to reach. This makes it easier to switch between tabs without moving the thumb to the top of the device when users want to switch between chats, calls, and other options.
A new look for WhatsApp is now being rolled out to the general public following beta testing. UI improvements include a refreshed color scheme, rounded icons, and playful animations. A base of neutral tones is being used with sparing use of green and the navigation has been more unified. Android users will notice the navigation bar has moved to the bottom of the screen, making it easier to access Chats, Calls, and Status.
WhatsApp is developing an AI feature that lets users create profile photos by providing text prompts to personalize and protect user identities. This joins other AI-powered features in the app, alongside a slew of upcoming updates like a revamped Status UI and offline file transfer.
WhatsApp is developing an AI avatar generator called "Imagine" which uses user-supplied images, text prompts, and Meta's AI Llama model to create avatars. Reference images can be deleted at any time. There's no release date for the feature yet.
WhatsApp has recently introduced new features for its video calling functionality, allowing users to enhance their calls with backgrounds and filters. This update aims to bring WhatsApp more in line with other popular video conferencing platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. The new options include a variety of filters such as warm, cool, black and white, dreamy, and fisheye, as well as backgrounds that range from living rooms and offices to beaches, forests, and sunsets. For those who prefer a simpler approach, there is also a blur option to obscure the background, making it easier to hide any clutter. The addition of these features is seen as a significant improvement, especially for users who have found WhatsApp's video call capabilities lacking compared to its competitors. The ability to blur backgrounds has been particularly highlighted as a valuable tool for professional calls, making it more appealing for business use. However, while the new filters and backgrounds are a step forward, some users feel that they still do not match the more entertaining options available on platforms like Google Meet. Despite the excitement surrounding these updates, some users have reported that the features were not immediately available upon updating the app. WhatsApp has indicated that the rollout will occur gradually over the coming weeks, so users may need to be patient before they can fully utilize the new options. Overall, this update reflects WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to enhance its video calling experience and compete more effectively in the crowded market of communication apps. The introduction of customizable backgrounds and filters is expected to make video calls more engaging and enjoyable for users.