WhatsApp features digital avatars as profile pictures instead of real photos

Gulf Today Report

These days there is a lot of talk about artificial intelligence. It is touted as the key to the future. The UAE is already showing the way in this regard. Several top government offices here have already started adopting AI in daily services. For instance, if you call up Etisalat on 101, there is a virtual assistant responding to your queries.

Early this year, the Dubai International Financial Centre launched a pathbreaking Artificial Intelligence and Coding licence. The licence will draw AI firms from around the world.

With an overarching emphasis on clean energy, artificial intelligence also helps in transitioning to a low-carbon energy world, quickly and cheaply.

Major international companies have taken to artificial intelligence the way a duck takes to water. In a new development, Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said WhatsApp would feature digital avatars on its profiles.

On WhatsApp, people can now use their personalised avatars as profile photos or choose from one of 36 custom stickers reflecting many different emotions and actions.

"We're bringing avatars to WhatsApp! Now you can use your avatar as a sticker in chats. More styles coming soon across all our apps," said Zuckerberg.

Through this initiative, users can post their digital likeness of themselves on WhatsApp, without having to use their real photo, to help retain their privacy.

The digital version can be created from billions of combinations of diverse hairstyles, facial features, and outfits.