Update for Snapchat: more communication and, of course, more AI

No event is complete without AI, and as Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap, says, there isn't a good event these days without OpenAI making an appearance. Accordingly, the AI company is behind the AI functions that will be presented at the Snap Summit. But in addition to the intelligent extensions, Snapchat itself has also been overhauled. There are also new Spectacles.

Snapchat should be tidier. When you open the app, the camera is still activated automatically. The chat, i.e. the area where you can send pictures to your friends, is now on the left. Stories, the latest videos from friends, can now be found above it. The Summit states that both are fundamental to the – service, namely communication. The Snap Map, a map that shows where friends are located, is also just a click away. It is intended to help transfer conversations into the real world by allowing people to meet up.

A For You area will be set up on the right-hand side of the screen in future. This includes stories from friends and suggested Spotlight videos.

AI creates Lenses and Memories

Snapchat is introducing new Lenses, which are based on AI and are intended to give a first insight into what will soon be possible thanks to AI. Lenses are ultimately the filters with which you can do mischief even when the camera is open –, from virtual make-up to unnatural changes in appearance to the alien look or wrinkles.

AI will also be used in the Memories function. These are edited collages and old photos. AI can also create subtitles and more for subscribers. AI can also be used to take selfies of yourself, which can then be transferred to AI-generated images.

My AI, the AI chatbot in Snapchat, has improved according to Snap. In future, it will be able to read road signs and translate menus, for example.

New tools for Snap Creator

You can use Snapchat to communicate with your friends and follow them. But there are also professional Snapchatters. Creators also get new tools with the latest update, such as new ways to pin their favorite content to their profiles. Templates are available, for example for past vacations.

Creators can also get in touch with brands via a platform on offer, which they can then promote.

Snap is considered a pioneer in the field of augmented reality. Partners and brands can have AR filters created. A new version of the AR glasses was also presented at the summit, the Spectacles 5.

The Snapchat Cam was most recently active at the Super Bowl, for example –. The images on the screen in the stadium showing people from the audience, including virtual elements, are well known. This gimmick is moving into other stadiums in the USA. Eminem has had a lip-sync filter created. If you use it, you automatically sing along with – - at least that's what your own mouth looks like.

There are said to be more than four million AR lenses in total. AI should make the development of such filters even faster and easier. Lenses can then be created using a prompt.

(emw)