WhatsApp set to launch personalized AI chatbots: Here's what we know

WhatsApp for Android is working on a feature that enables the users to create custom AI characters within the app. The feature will let the users define the personality traits and area of expertise for their AI chatbot through text prompts. An AI will be created to set a profile picture and biography, as per user input. It is quite akin to other AI tools that have come up on Instagram and Messenger.

The feature was found in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.26 update under development and unavailable to beta testers as of now. It was remarked upon in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.24 update, acting as a separate tab for AI characters. This tab will serve as a central place to manage the user-created and public AI chatbots.

According to screenshots brought forth by WABetaInfo, this feature is using Meta AI Studio, allowing users to create characters from scratch or predefined templates. The user can use a subject of personality, purpose, and focus in the text containing up to 1,000 characters. There are suggestions for descriptions in WhatsApp for creative help.

Although only the first stage of creation has been revealed, later stages would include image and bio generation and setting up privacy preferences. The dedicated AI tab might show all the user-created chatbots and may connect them with other Meta platforms, though this is still unverified.

No formal announcement has been made regarding this feature, nor has a timeline been set for its launch, but that is a clear indication of WhatsApp now entering the foray of AI-powered tools after recent updates across Meta applications.