23/06/2025

LYFE MONDAY | JUNE 23, 2025

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FOR several months, all WhatsApp users have been able to communicate directly with ChatGPT via a dedicated phone number. It is now also possible to use this hotline to generate images, then share them with contacts. OpenAI has Generating images using ChatGPT on WhatsApp

AI could transform

future editions of Hot Wheels miniature cars. – FREEPIKPIC

announced that all WhatsApp users can now generate images directly via ChatGPT, whether or not they have an account with the service. Simply add the US phone number 1-800 CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) to your WhatsApp contacts to start a

You first need to add ChatGPT as a contact on WhatsApp. – AFPPIC

conversation directly with the artificial intelligence (AI) service. From then on, a simple prompt, a request written in natural language, can be used to generate an image. Note that it is also possible to send a photo and ask the AI to change it in various ways, such as applying a cartoon style, for example. These AI-generated images can then be easily shared in WhatsApp chats or groups, just like any other photo. This feature, directly integrated into WhatsApp, is based on GPT-4o, a model capable of processing text and images. All WhatsApp users can generate one image per day, free of charge. This quota increases if you link up your ChatGPT account, whether free or paid. For OpenAI, this is another step towards making its AI tools accessible to as many people as possible, the idea being to democratise AI assisted image generation. In this sense, WhatsApp, with over two billion users worldwide, is a prime channel. But OpenAI is also stepping on the toes of WhatsApp’s owner Meta, which has already integrated its own AI tool into the application. It can answer a multitude of questions, but cannot yet generate images. – ETX Studio Google turns queries into conversations GOOGLE recently began letting people turn online searches into conversations, with generative artificial intelligence (AI) providing spoken summaries of query results. With Audio Overviews, Gemini AI models quickly sum up query results in a conversational style, according to Google. “An audio overview can help you get a lay of the land, offering a convenient, hands-free way to absorb information whether you are multitasking or simply prefer an audio experience. We display helpful web pages right within the audio player on the search results page so you can easily dive in and learn more,” Google said in a blog post. Google is beefing up online search with generative AI, embracing AI despite fears for its ad-based business model. CEO Sundar Pichai recently unveiled a new AI mode in Google search. The search engine’s nascent AI mode goes further than AI Overviews, which display answers to queries from the tech giant’s generative AI powers above the traditional blue links to websites and ads. Since Google debuted AI Overviews in search slightly more than a year ago, it has grown to more than 1.5 billion users across several countries, according to Pichai. Google’s push into generative AI comes amid intensifying competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has itself incorporated search engine features into its popular chatbot. – AFP

AI-powered dolls, toy cars?

This would not be the first time that Barbie has adapted to new technologies. Ten years ago, Mattel launched Hello Barbie, an internet-connected doll equipped with a microphone and speaker, capable of conversing with children. Unfortunately, this experiment proved disastrous, with disappointing sales and terrible reviews. Deemed poorly performing and above all, highly intrusive of users’ privacy, the doll was even named “Worst Toy of the Year” by the American child welfare organisation, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, now called Fairplay. – ETX Studio

OpenAI into a variety of toys (dolls, cars, board games, etc.). But this partnership does not stop there. In addition, the deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise at Mattel aims to stimulate innovation and boost the creativity of the firm’s teams. The stated goal is to launch a first product by the end of 2025, offering age-appropriate play experiences. The aim is to propose products or experiences that are innovative, secure and respectful of privacy. Following this announcement, no specific project has been revealed, but many US media outlets are nevertheless citing Barbie as the first brand to be involved.

A MERICAN giant Mattel, owner of brands such as Barbie and Hot Wheels, has announced a collaboration with OpenAI, publisher of ChatGPT, with a view to creating a new generation of toys equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). The idea, in terms of products, is to integrate various generative models from o ChatGPT-maker working with US giant Mattel

A fake online store in Arabic.

A fake site in German.

Scammers exploit Labubu doll craze with fake online shops in multiple languages

THE skyrocketing popularity of Labubu dolls has triggered a wave of scam websites targeting enthusiastic collectors worldwide, with cybercriminals deploying fake online shops in multiple languages to steal payment details. Kaspersky detected hundreds of fraudulent platforms, often posing as legitimate retailers, that entice fans with fake offers on Labubu dolls to harvest sensitive financial information from unsuspecting buyers. Labubu dolls, quirky plush collectables

scammers, who exploit the urgency and excitement surrounding these coveted toys. Cybercriminals create counterfeit websites in multiple languages to deceive buyers in different regions. These fake shops often mimic the branding of trusted retailers, offering discounts or exclusive editions of dolls to lure victims into entering bank card details or other personal information. Pop Mart is the official retailer and creator of Labubu dolls, and scammers mimic its appearance to trick buyers into thinking they are purchasing authentic products.

designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart stores in blind boxes, have captivated global audiences. Buyers do not know which specific doll or design they will get until they open it. This element of surprise, combined with the chance of getting rare or limited-edition figures, fuels the excitement and collectible frenzy. Since April last year, the hype multiplied, fuelled by high-profile celebrity endorsements, leading to resale prices for rare dolls reaching US$3,000 (RM12,767) and above. This has created a fertile ground for