ChatGPT may integrate functionality to create and send stickers directly to WhatsApp

ChatGPT may soon simplify the creation of stickers intended for WhatsApp. Evidence found in the code of the latest version of the OpenAI application suggests that the company is developing a tool capable of generating personalized sticker packs and sending them directly to Meta's messaging app, significantly reducing the manual work currently required.

Currently, to use images generated by the chatbot as stickers, the user must go through a process involving art generation, downloading, editing the file in another program, and only then importing it to WhatsApp. The new feature aims to consolidate all these steps into a single workflow.

This novelty was identified by the Android Authority portal during the analysis of version 1.2026.216 of the ChatGPT application for Android. The feature is internally coded under the name "ChatGPT Stickers" and contains references such as "Add to chat apps," "Add to WhatsApp," and "Download stickers."

Although the code makes generic mention of various chat applications, the signs point to the fact that, at least initially, the integration will be focused on WhatsApp. Furthermore, specific error messages were found, such as "Couldn’t add stickers to WhatsApp."

Another indicator is the presence of the action com.whatsapp.intent.action.ENABLE_STICKER_PACK in the application code. This command is used by third-party applications to send sticker packs to WhatsApp, which strengthens the suspicion that OpenAI is working on a direct connection with the messenger.

For a sticker pack to be exported, the user must create a minimum of three stickers. This rule is not imposed by OpenAI, but rather by WhatsApp itself, whose documentation stipulates that each pack must contain between three and thirty stickers.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 29, 21:13

WhatsApp launches new Android widget that allows recording audio without opening the app

WhatsApp has started making a new widget available for Android devices, allowing users to record voice messages without needing to open the application beforehand. This shortcut directs the user instantly to the recording screen.

Features of the new shortcut

According to WABetaInfo, this new feature is being implemented progressively for those who updated the messenger through the Google Play Store. The main objective of this feature is to simplify the process of sending audio, benefiting those who frequently use voice messages.

Unlike the conventional WhatsApp icon, this new widget does not open a specific conversation. Activating it leads directly to the audio recording interface. After finishing the recording, the user has several options: listen to the content before sending, discard the file, start a new recording, or select the recipients of the audio.

Advantage over the traditional method

The biggest difference lies in reducing the steps required to start recording. Instead of having to access the application and navigate to a conversation, the process can be initiated directly from the phone's home screen.

Installing the widget on Android

This new shortcut occupies, by default, a 3 by 1 space on the Android home screen, although its size can be adapted to the user's preferences. To add it, the procedure involves pressing an empty area of the home screen, accessing the system widget menu, locating the new WhatsApp shortcut, and finally positioning it where desired.

Gradual distribution of the feature

Due to the gradual nature of the distribution, not all users will have immediate access to the feature, even if they keep the application updated. This phased release is a common practice adopted by WhatsApp to gradually increase the availability of new functionalities. For those who rely on voice messages as their primary means of communication, the widget offers a more direct route to start recordings, bypassing the usual flow within the messenger.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 28, 18:23

WhatsApp makes voice and video calls available in the browser and expands Web version features

WhatsApp announced on Tuesday (28th) the inclusion of voice and video calls in its Web version. This addition allows users to make calls directly through the computer's browser, eliminating the need to install specific software.

New features on the Web platform

The company presented this functionality as an update that is being progressively implemented for users. This advancement enriches the capabilities of the service accessed via the browser, making the experience more similar to that provided on other devices.

In addition to calls, the update introduces several other tools, such as screen sharing, reactions during conversations, recording of calls made, and technical improvements focused on enhancing transmission quality.

Improvements to the communication experience

With this change, the user can use WhatsApp in the browser to make both audio and video calls directly on the PC. Previously, this type of contact required the use of applications intended for mobile phones or desktops.

According to WhatsApp, calls made through the Web version maintain the same level of security as messages, using end-to-end encryption, which ensures that conversations remain protected against unauthorized access by third parties.

Advanced calling functionalities

The platform has also come to support call transfer between different devices. This feature allows the user to start a call on one device and continue it on another, switching between mobile phone and computer without interrupting the established connection.

Another incorporated feature is the waiting room for calls initiated via a link. This function gives the call organizer the power to define who can join the conversation, requiring prior approval for participation.

The service has also received optimizations to improve the user experience during video conferences. The company reported that images now reach high definition faster at the beginning of calls, and a noise reduction system helps make the voice clearer in environments with external noise.

Context of recent updates

This update integrates a series of changes announced by WhatsApp across its various platforms. In the previous week, the application had announced changes to the versions for iPad and vehicles equipped with CarPlay and Android Auto, aiming to align these systems with the experience offered on mobile phones.