Need to Know

Global – Meta AI has launched Imagine Me, a new feature so that users can create AI-generated images from their photos and prompts. Currently in beta in the US, Imagine Me allows people to type a command in the chat and prompt, for example, ‘Imagine me as a superhero’ or ‘Imagine me in a historical setting’ and the AI generates a customised image.

Meta AI can also seamlessly edit photos, add or remove objects and make other modifications. Users can even generate whimsical images, such as ‘Me as a 3D sticker’ and easily modify them with instructions such as ‘Change to a royal image’.

This is part of a broader update in which Meta AI has expanded globally to support more languages and is available in 22 countries, including Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Meta plans bi-weekly updates, with an ‘edit with AI’ button launching this month to simplify photo editing further.

Our Authentic Avatars report explored how users are seeking more inclusivity in avatar creation, as digital expression becomes an important part of consumers’ identities. Meta AI will help meet that need by allowing users to create customisable AI images of themselves to use as digital avatars.

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, intern Seyi Oduwole discusses Gen Alpha language, Kamala Harris’ hot girl summer Presidential campaign and Ozempic-inspired snacks.

: As Kamala Harris announced her bid for the US presidential elections we were met with an onslaught of pop culture-influenced, girl-coded marketing. From Beyoncé reportedly giving Harris permission to use her song Freedom to the presidential candidate rebranding as a fully certified Charlie XCX brat, there has been no shortage of memes. Take New York magazine’s themed cover, for example, a prime case of Yassified Marketing at play. With Megan Thee Stallion as her hype woman, the Kamalot era has well and truly begun.

: Japanese confectionery company Morinaga has developed a hunger-curbing drink In Tansan which solidifies into jelly after ingestion. Proclaimed as a drug-free alternative to Ozempic, the jelly creates a feeling of fullness and can potentially curb excessive snacking. Read more on the next generation of weight loss in our Neozempic Futures report.

: Although I’m a Gen Z myself, Gen Alpha’s new slang has made me feel ancient and completely out of the loop. From words like sigma (cool) and mewing (looking good) to fanum tax (stealing) and auramaxxing (achieving maximum attractiveness), I'm going to need a comprehensive breakdown of the new Gen Alpha jargon. Check out our Gen Alpha sector to understand their lingo and lifestyle, and how to appeal to this new cohort.