Snapchat Adds AI Feature To Develop Augmented Reality

JAKARTA - Snapchat, a photo and video messaging platform, announced on Wednesday April 19 that its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot can now respond to user messages with images fully generated by AI. This step was taken in the company's bid to explore AI technology and accelerate the development of augmented reality (AR) features on its platform.

A chatbot called "My AI" built using OpenAI's ChatGPT technology, can help users in any way, from writing poetry to looking for information. My AI can now be used for free by all Snapchat users and can be enabled to answer questions in a conversation between friends on Snapchat.

In addition, My AI can also help users explore more parts of the Snapchat app by recommending lenses or effects on photos and videos, as well as recommending places in the real world that can be visited through the map feature on the app.

The new advantage of My AI is its ability to respond to users with fully generated images by AI. This will be available in advance to Snapchat+ users who reach 3 million subscribers.

"This is the first time we have brought AI into communication, which is at the heart of our service," said Evan Spiegel, chief executive of Snap. "People really use My AI as a creative tool."

Snap also analyzed conversations with My AI and found that 99.5% of chatbot responses were in accordance with Snapchat community guidelines. In addition, My AI will now also consider the user's age "to ensure conversations are age-appropriate to the user".

Snapchat also introduces a new AR mirror that can be installed in stores to help customers try on clothes virtually or see which accessories match their outfits. Some stores like Nike and Men's Warehouse have used the AR mirror.

The AR mirror is part of an entertainment division that Snap launched last month to help other companies build AR experiences for their own apps and websites. This move can also help Snap diversify its business beyond digital advertising, which is currently the majority of its revenue.