Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration aims to enhance Snapchat’s Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities by integrating ChatGPT into its AR Lenses. The announcement was made at Snap’s sixth annual Lens Fest, marking a significant leap in the realm of AR technology.
Snap is introducing Lens Studio 5.0 Beta, an advanced version of its AR development tool. This new iteration is designed to empower developers with sophisticated AI tools, including a new ChatGPT Remote API. “We teamed up with OpenAI to offer a new ChatGPT Remote API. Now, any Lens developer can leverage ChatGPT in their Lenses, unlocking new types of learning, conversational, and creative experiences for Snapchatters,” the company elaborated at the event.
Snap’s existing AI chatbot, My AI, is also a product of OpenAI’s GPT technology, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to AI-driven innovation. A notable addition is the 3D face mask generator, which allows anyone to quickly create self-expression Lenses, potentially going viral within seconds. This feature is a fusion of generative AI and Snap’s state-of-the-art face mesh capabilities.
Snap highlighted its growing developer base, now numbering 330,000, who have collectively created nearly 3.5 million Lenses. This expansion reflects the company’s efforts to reduce the barrier between creators, developers, and creativity. Evan Spiegel, Snap CEO, emphasized this vision: “I think what’s so useful in terms of AI, especially for developers and creators, is that it just reduces that barrier to creativity.” He added that the company is investing significantly to simplify the creation of immersive AR experiences.
The integration of ChatGPT in Snapchat AR Lenses is currently in a beta phase, with a broader release anticipated in the coming months. An example showcased during Lens Fest demonstrated a solar system-themed filter answering real-time questions, such as the distance to Neptune. This feature paves the way for interactive quizzes and randomizers, enhancing user engagement.
Snap’s advancements are part of a broader trend in AI-powered tools across various platforms. YouTube, Meta, and TikTok have all introduced features relying on generative AI, from photo editing to filters. Meta’s AI chatbots feature celebrity faces, while TikTok is taking steps to flag AI-generated content, recognizing the growing prevalence of such technology.
The new tools announced by Snap include features that allow multiple developers to collaborate on projects simultaneously. This collaborative approach is aimed at fostering a more inclusive and dynamic development environment.
