WhatsApp ventures into personalized AI avatars with new feature development

by Utkalika Mohanty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new feature that will enable users to create personalised AI avatars of themselves, capable of being placed in various virtual settings.

Washington, July 5: WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new feature that will enable users to create personalised AI avatars of themselves, capable of being placed in various virtual settings.

According to The Verge, the feature discovered in the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.24.14.7 harnesses a combination of user-provided images, text prompts, and Meta's AI Llama model to generate these custom avatars.

According to the screenshots captured by The Verge, users will have the ability to envision themselves "in any setting, from the forest to outer space."

The generated images are reportedly reminiscent of those produced by popular AI generators like Lensa AI or Snapchat's "Dreams" selfie feature.

To generate these personalised avatars, WhatsApp users will initially need to submit photographs of themselves, which will serve as reference images for Meta AI.

Subsequently, users can create their avatars by typing commands such as "Imagine me" followed by a description of the desired setting in Meta AI chat or by using "@Meta AI imagine me..." in other WhatsApp conversations.

This feature is expected to be optional and will require users to manually enable it in WhatsApp settings.

Furthermore, users will have the flexibility to delete the reference images stored in Meta AI settings at any time, ensuring privacy and control over personal data.

Despite its innovative potential, there is no specific timeline for the general availability of this new AI avatar feature. WhatsApp continues to roll out support for its Meta AI chatbot and real-time AI image generation capabilities, particularly in the United States.

Therefore, the launch of the AI avatar feature may be subject to gradual deployment as WhatsApp and Meta navigate the complexities associated with generative AI tools, according to The Verge.

Given previous challenges with generative AI technologies, Meta appears to be adopting a cautious approach to ensure the functionality and security of this upcoming feature.

As development progresses, WhatsApp users can anticipate a new dimension of personalisation and creativity in their messaging experience, facilitated by advanced AI capabilities.

(ANI)

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Blackmailed Girl Says Sorry To Father, Ends Life In Bhadrak Village

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bhadrak, Oct 4: In a heart-wrenching incident, a girl reportedly committed suicide after being blackmailed by her boyfriend at Dasandikula village of Padhani panchayat under Dhamnagar block in Bhadrak district last night.

The 19-year-old girl, Subhalaxmi Puhana, wrote 'sorry' in her suicidal note addressed to her father, Bishnu Charan Puhana.

According to the information, the girl was in love with a college mate, identified as Siddhanta Das of Darapur village under Mangalpur police station in Jajpur district. As Siddhant kept demanding money from her by showing nude photos, the girl didn't tolerate it and hung herself from the ceiling of her reading room.

On a complaint filed by the family, a team of the Dhamnagar police went to the village and sent the body to Bhadrak Medical for autopsy.

The police started an investigation after seizing the suicide note and the mobile from the room.

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When PM Modi Fulfilled Wishes Of Freedom Fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma, 56 Yrs After Independence

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

When PM Modi Fulfilled Last Wishes Of Freedom Fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma, 56 Years After Independence

New Delhi, Oct 4: As the nation observes the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma, here is a story on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an emotional and memorable tribute to the great patriot and revolutionary.

Shyamji Krishna Varma, a Gujarat-born freedom fighter played pivotal role in India’s struggle for Independence. Besides being a noted scholar in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, he founded the India House in London, which served as a leading centre of Indian nationalism outside the country, before Independence.

Shyamji Krishna Varma passed away in 1930, holding on to the hope that his ashes would return to a free and Independent India. However, his ‘last wish’ was realized only after five decades of India attaining freedom from the colonial rule.

The dream got realized in August 2003, after Narendra Modi took over the reins as Gujarat Chief Minister. The then Gujarat CM brought his ashes back from Geneva, honouring the freedom fighter's final request.

On 22nd August 2003, PM Modi reached St. George’s cemetery in Switzerland’s Geneva to collect Shyamji Krishna Varma's ashes from the Ville de Genève and the Swiss government, fulfilling the long-held wish of this patriot.

Few years later, in 2010, PM Modi also inaugurated the Kranti Peeth memorial in Mandvi, replicating the India House in London, housing statues of Shyam ji and his wife, alongside their ashes.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to the revolutionary freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma on his birth anniversary today.

In a social media post, PM Modi also highlighted Shyamji Krishna Varma’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the nation, emphasising that his legacy will continue to inspire generations. He said that Shyamji Krishna Varma’s revolutionary actions infused remarkable strength into the resolve for the country’s independence.

“Hundreds of salutations to the great freedom fighter and brave son of Mother India, Shyamji Krishna Verma, on his birth anniversary. With his revolutionary steps, he infused amazing power in the resolve for the independence of the country. His dedication and spirit of service towards the nation will continue to inspire every generation,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

--IANS

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‘The Legend of Hanuman's New Season Debuts On October 25

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Mumbai, Oct 4: The new season of ‘The Legend of Hanuman’ is all set for its premiere on October 25, 2024.

The official makers took it to their Instagram account and shared the announcement video for the new season.

The makers wrote the caption, "Pavanputra laut ke aa rahe hai, Panchmukhi avatar mein! Type Jai Hanuman in the comment section #HotstarSpecials #TheLegendOfHanuman, Season 5 streaming on October 25".

The new season will focus on the Panchmukhi avatar of Lord Hanuman presenting his unparalleled strength and wisdom. It will be a visual treat for its viewers that will blend with a mixture of stunning visuals and a power-packed storyline deep-rooted in themes of loyalty and bravery of Lord Hanuman.

‘The Legend Of Hanuman’ Season 5, created by Sharad Devarajan, Jeevan J. Kang and Charuvi Agrawal under the banner of Graphic India.

The series depicts how God Mahadev incarnates as Hanuman to serve Lord Rama, tracing his journey from a powerful warrior to a deity and illustrating how Hanuman became a symbol of hope in the face of darkness.

The show features the voice of Sanket Mhatre, Surbhi Pandey, Damandeep Singh Baggan, Vikrant Chaturvedi, Richard Joel, Sharad Kelkar, Rohan Jadav, Shakti Singh, Sahil Vaid, Vali, Ahiravana, Toshi Sinha, Rajesh Jolly, Aaditya Raj Sharma, Pushkar Vijay, Rohan Verma, Shailendra Pandey, Surendra Bhatia, Vikram Kochhar, Amit Deondi, Ganesh Divekar, Girish Sahdev and many others in supporting roles.

The first season premiered on January 29, 2021 with 13 episodes. Later, it was renewed for a second season with 13 episodes on July 27, 2021. A third season that consisted total six number of episodes was released on 12 January 2024.