Snapchat's New Generative AI Feature Takes Snaps to the Next Level!

Snapchat made an exciting announcement yesterday, introducing a new feature powered by generative AI exclusively for Snapchat+ subscribers. This feature allows users to send Snaps showcasing their activities and receive a generative Snap in return from the in-app chatbot called My AI. The feature was initially revealed during the Snap Partner Summit held last month, where it was also announced that My AI would be available to all users for free. However, no specific release date was provided at that time.

Before the launch of this generative AI feature, Snap had already introduced several AI-infused updates across the Snapchat app. Users could incorporate the My AI chatbot into group chats by mentioning it with an "@" symbol. Additionally, AI was integrated into the app for providing place recommendations and Lens suggestions. Recently, the My AI chatbot was even upgraded to respond to user Snaps with text-based replies.

Now, with a Snapchat+ subscription, My AI can respond with photos as well.

Primarily intended for entertainment purposes, the feature's demonstration by Snap CEO Evan Spiegel focused on lighthearted scenarios. For example, sending a photo of a dog would elicit a funny dog photo in response, while sharing a Snap of vegetables from a garden would result in a recipe suggestion. Although the recipe suggestions feature holds practical potential, its effectiveness with images from one's "latest grocery haul" remains uncertain, as Snap describes.

It is unclear to what extent Snap has implemented stringent safeguards for the generative photo feature of My AI. This lack of clarity may raise concerns among parents of teenagers, especially considering that other generative AI applications like Lensa AI have been susceptible to producing inappropriate images.

Snap responded to reports of unsafe responses from My AI by promising to incorporate insights into its Family Center, a parental controls hub, to help parents and guardians stay informed about their children's interactions with the My AI chatbot. The company has fulfilled this promise, and the Family Center integration is now live. Parents can choose to view if their teen has engaged with the AI chatbot within the past week.

When using AI chatbots, there are additional privacy considerations to bear in mind. Snap has notified users that all their messages with My AI are saved until manually deleted, and the same applies to the new generative photo experience.

Opinions among Snapchat users regarding My AI have varied, with some expressing dissatisfaction by giving the app one-star reviews after its rollout. Users complained about the inability to remove or block the bot, which remains pinned at the top of their Chats. Snap hopes that the introduction of the My AI Snaps feature will enhance user sentiment regarding the overall My AI experience.

The new generative AI feature is exclusively available to Snapchat+ subscribers, who pay a monthly fee of $3.99 within the app. Subscribers can enjoy various enhancements, including the ability to prioritize a No. 1 Best Friend, a Story Rewatch indicator, custom app icons, a theme editor, Priority Story Replies, a Snapchat+ badge, and more.?

But, is it worth it? Let us know in the comment section below

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