WhatsApp users are in for a treat with the introduction of more interactive stickers that boast fluid motion, thanks to the support of the new Lottie framework. This exciting development was initially spotted in a beta version of the WhatsApp for Android app back in February. However, it is now being widely rolled out with the latest stable update for both Android and iOS platforms. The introduction of dynamic animations in stickers marks a significant upgrade, starting with the release of the inaugural sticker pack titled “I’m Just a Girl.”
According to reports from feature tracker WABetaInfo, users need to have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on their Android and iOS devices to access the Lottie framework-supported stickers. If the sticker pack is visible in the WhatsApp store, it indicates that users have access to this enhanced feature. The utilization of the Lottie framework transforms stickers into more dynamic elements, providing a refreshing and engaging experience for users.
Traditionally, sticker packs on WhatsApp have been in the WebP format, allowing for image compression while maintaining quality on the web. However, the incorporation of the Lottie framework facilitates the creation of dynamic and fluid animations developed using motion graphic design software like Adobe After Effects. Stickers designed using Lottie are vector-based, enabling developers and users to scale animations according to their preferences without compromising resolution.
The launch of the “I’m Just a Girl” sticker pack, developed by BUCK, represents the first official sticker pack built using the Lottie framework. This pack features stickers with more fluid animations compared to other existing packs on the platform. With a modest size of 228KB, the “I’m Just a Girl” sticker pack has garnered positive reception from users and enthusiasts alike.
In addition to the Lottie framework support, Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, has introduced Meta AI chatbot to the Indian market. Initially announced in April, the AI chatbot powered by Meta’s Llama 3 large language model (LLM) is now being rolled out to Indian users. This chatbot is expected to enhance user experience across various Meta-owned platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, providing an array of AI-powered features and services.