WhatsApp Strikes Back: Meta Unleashes AI-Powered Features to Woo Gen Z and Gen Alpha

WhatsApp is rolling out a wave of futuristic updates, seemingly in response to the rising popularity of Zoho’s Arattai app in India. With Gen Z and Gen Alpha craving personalization and creativity, Meta has infused WhatsApp with AI-driven enhancements.

Key highlights:
1. Meta AI now powers custom chat themes and video call backgrounds, generated from user prompts.
2. Users can share Live Photos (iOS) and Motion Photos (Android) with sound and movement.
3. Android users gain a native document scanner for quick sharing—no third-party apps needed.
4. Group search is simplified: find chats by searching any member’s name.
5. New sticker packs—Fearless Bird, School Days, and Vacation—add expressive flair.

These updates aim to retain WhatsApp’s dominance as Arattai climbs India’s app charts, backed by privacy-first features and local pride.

Sources: Financial Express, Moneycontrol, TechPP.