WhatsApp is set to launch a new feature that will allow users to create their own cartoon avatars.
Similar to the likes of Snapchat and Memoji, he product is currently under development but a release date has not yet been given for its launch. Users will be able to build their own cartoon character and use its image in video calls and can send text messages using their creation.
“Thanks to avatars, you may be able to use an avatar as a mask while placing video calls. There will be a new option within the video call screen that lets us immediately switch to our avatar when a future update drops,” WABetaInfo, a news source that provides updates on Whatsapp, confirmed.
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While users can choose to avoid using the feature while on video calls, they will not be able to prevent others from selecting their avatar persona while facetiming them. The move is similar to the Memoji app that is available for download.
Memoji users can create a cartoon version of themselves using the app to communicate with others. However, the Memoji app is currently only available to IPhone or IPad users.
WhatsApp was first founded in 2009 and is one of the world’s most popular social media apps. It is now owned by Facebook’s parent company Meta and is used daily by over 1.4 million people in Ireland. It is primarily used as a texting service.
WhatsApp previously made headlines when users reported receiving scam text messages from people claiming to be WhatsApp support agents. Messages from a genuine WhatsApp account will have a verified badge beside a contact’s name, a feature which was missing from the scam texts.
Many of the fake accounts asked recipients for money or personal information. The social media giant launched an awareness campaign late last year as a response to the increase in scam messaging.
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