WhatsApp is borrowing a fun feature from its sibling Facebook. The popular instant messaging app is testing avatars. As you might have guessed, this feature lets you create a 3D virtual representation of yourself on the app. You can use the avatar as your profile picture or send it as stickers in chats. You may also be able to use it during video calls.
WhatsApp has been working on avatars for some time now. Back in June, evidence emerged that avatars can be used during video calls on the app. If you can’t show your face on the video call for some reason, you can stream your visual representation instead of turning off the camera. A “Switch to avatar” button, which appears on the screen during video calls, lets you do that. If you tap it, the other person will see your avatar on their screen. You can always switch back to the live camera feed or tun of the camera.
Additionally, WhatsApp will let you create personalized stickers featuring your 3D model. It will work similarly to other sticker packs on the app. You will get a full sticker pack of your avatar with multiple poses, facial expressions, effects, and other fun items. These stickers will be available as a separate pack next to the existing stickers button on WhatsApp. You can edit your avatar before sending a sticker if you don’t find it perfect. The edit option will also be available from the main Avatar menu in settings.
WhatsApp is testing its avatar feature
First reported by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is currently testing avatars among some beta users on Android. The screenshot shared by the publication shows that Avatar will replace the Privacy section in WhatsApp settings. Avatar should house all the features currently available under Privacy, such as profile photo, last seen, read receipts, and blocked contacts. It should further add avatar settings from where you can edit or customize your virtual representation.
If things go as per plan, WhatsApp may publicly roll out avatars in the coming weeks. The feature will be available with an update for the app. You may get early access to it by registering as a beta tester here. However, keep in mind that beta versions are often unstable and some features may not work properly or as intended. You can click the button below to download the latest public version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
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