Observed Signal · Jan 15, 2025 · Product Launch · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp Turns Selfies into Stickers
Meta's WhatsApp adds new chat features for 2025, including Selfie Stickers that convert selfies into sendable stickers, plus 30 camera backgrounds and filters for chats, and the ability to share Sticker Sets. The update also introduces a faster double-tap React feature to view the most-used reactions. Android users receive the updates first, with iOS rollout planned for later. Selfie Stickers can be created by tapping the sticker search, taking a selfie, and sending it directly in chat. The article notes WhatsApp's ongoing focus on fun, ease of use, and interactive experiences. Additionally, WhatsApp now enables access to AI services: US users can access ChatGPT via WhatsApp, while German users can access Microsoft Copilot; Copilot supports image generation in English and German within chats.
Major platform feature release on WhatsApp (Meta) with AI integration updates; potentially impactful for user engagement and cross-app workflows.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WhatsApp adds Selfie Sticker feature and 30 camera backgrounds/filters for chats.
- Sticker Sets can be shared; Reactions updated with faster double-tap to view common reactions.
- Selfie Stickers are created by taking a selfie in the chat and sending it as a sticker (Android rollout first; iOS later).
- US users can access ChatGPT via WhatsApp; German users can access Microsoft Copilot via WhatsApp; Copilot supports image generation in English and German.
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
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WhatsApp launches AI-generated replies and photo touchups
WhatsApp is rolling out several feature updates including AI-powered suggested replies that draft responses based on conversation context. The update enhances the existing "Writing Help" tool (launched August) to generate message drafts in addition to rephrasing, proofreading and tone adjustments. WhatsApp also added Meta AI photo touch-ups (remove distractions, change backgrounds, apply styles), an in-chat large-file cleaner to free up space, the ability to move chat history between iOS and Android (and within-platform), simultaneous dual-account sign-in on iOS, and emoji-to-sticker suggestions. WhatsApp says chats remain private when using Writing Help. Features are rolling out now and will be available to all users soon.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
AWNY, Jupiter Fest Spotlight Agentic Ads and Open Web
Advertising Week New York and the inaugural Jupiter Festival Miami highlighted the industry's shift toward agentic advertising and anxieties about the open web's future. Major announcements included TikTok's off-platform ad expansion and a new AI shopping agent, Meta's AI campaign assistant testing, and OpenAI's visual ads introduction. Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery closed, forming Skydance. Key themes were the threat of AI to publisher traffic, the rise of AI visibility tools, the early stage of agentic media buying, unsolved cross-platform measurement, and the booming sports and retail media sectors. Deals included PubX's acquisition of Compliant and a $5 million Series A, and OpenAI's reported $30 billion round talks with BlackRock and UAE investors.
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