Right here’s one other one for the “we really want to integrate generative AI but we don’t really know how” checklist.
This week, Snapchat is rolling out new Bitmoji pets, powered by AI, for Snapchat+ subscribers.
As you possibly can see in this screenshot (shared by Jonah Manzano), Snapchat+ subscribers are actually being prompted to “add real or imaginary Bitmoji pets to the map” as a part of the brand new providing.
The method allows you to create a digital pet, which you’ll customise nevertheless you want.
Your pet will then accompany you on the Snap Map, so you possibly can go on adventures along with your unreal animal good friend within the app.
The AI aspect is seemingly solely within the creation, your Bitmoji cat gained’t instantly begin answering complicated mathematical queries or something. However the thought is that Snap is now in a position to present expanded generative AI capability, which it’s already built-in into profile pictures, through its “Dreams” tool, in addition to in chat, by means of its “My AI” chatbot function.
Seemingly, Snap’s trying to latch onto the AI bandwagon, and spark extra curiosity through generative AI instruments, and little question there will probably be a number of curiosity in digitally generated pets as properly, like Tamagotchi for a brand new era.
However on the identical time, it’s not likely enhancing the social expertise of the app.
I imply, possibly it’s, possibly Snap customers are actually eager to indicate off their pets, and this supplies one other means for them to take action. Snap already has AR lenses specifically for dogs, and based mostly on engagement with these, it might make good sense for Snap to additionally add in digital pets as an accompaniment.
However as famous, it does really feel a bit like social apps try to jam in generative AI choices, as a way to jump aboard the AI bandwagon, with out actually including important worth to the person expertise.
Then once more, Snap’s normally superb on this entrance, in implementing options that do align with the person expertise, and it wouldn’t shock me to see a number of Bitmoji canines and cats instantly bouncing across the Snap Map.
Snapchat+ has additionally confirmed to be a winner, with over 7 million paying subscribers (which probably elevated once more over Christmas), and it does stand to motive that ongoing updates and additions like this can assist to keep up curiosity within the possibility, even when it’s not a serious long-term engagement consideration.
However possibly it’s. Perhaps, then, Bitmoji animal garments may even current one other new market, and Snap will as soon as once more underline their nous for aligning with viewers curiosity.
