WhatsApp is rolling out a slew of new features and updates, including one that generates AI-powered suggested replies based on your conversations. The Meta-owned messaging platform is also launching other features, including a new way to free up space, the ability to touch up photos with Meta AI, and more.
Most notably, however, is the app’s update to its “Writing Help” feature that helps users draft messages. Writing Help, which first launched last August, already helps users rephrase, proofread, or adjust the tone of their messages. On Thursday, the Meta-owned company said in a blog post that this latest update will help users get their message “just right.”
Meta is likely hoping that people use its in-app technology when drafting messages, rather than external tools like ChatGPT. Of course, not everyone will want to use the new feature, as users likely prefer authentic, personal conversations with friends and family as opposed to AI-generated messages. (Using AI to write an email is one thing; using it to message the family group chat is another!)
The company claims the chats remain private even if people use Writing Help.
To access the feature, users tap the chat bar, select the stickers icon in the typing field, and then tap the pencil with sparkledust icon indicating an AI feature.
As for freeing up space, WhatsApp can now help users find and delete large files directly within any chat. This means users can get rid of what they don’t need without having to wipe entire conversations. For instance, they could choose to only clear media files when clearing a chat, while keeping the chat history intact.
The company also announced that users can now use Meta AI to touch up photos directly in a chat. This will let users do things like remove something distracting in an image, change the background, or apply a new style.
Additionally, WhatsApp now supports the option to move chat history from iOS to Android, as well as within the same platform. Plus, users have the option to have two WhatsApp accounts logged in at the same time on iOS, something that’s already possible on Android.
Stickers on WhatsApp are getting an update, too, as WhatsApp will now suggest specific ones to users as they type emojis so they can swap them out with a sticker.
These new features are rolling out now and will be available to all users soon, WhatsApp says.