Meta beat OpenAI to the punch on announcing an AI gadget

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a new AI device called Charm at the company's Connect event on Wednesday. The compact gadget, which has a screen and can be spoken to, is designed to work with Meta's AI agent, Muse. It is a direct challenge to OpenAI, which has been working on its own high-profile AI device. Meta revealed that it has already begun manufacturing the limited number of Charm units and plans to have them available for the holiday shopping season.

Zuckerberg emphasized the device's ability to provide a superior user experience compared to traditional smartphones. This move positions Meta as a serious contender in the rapidly evolving field of AI hardware. The announcement comes amidst OpenAI's secretive efforts to develop a physical AI device, which began after the acquisition of Jony Ive's former company.

While Meta's primary revenue stream comes from advertising, the company is heavily investing in hardware, believing that it will provide significant benefits for its products. Charm was developed by Meta's new design lab, led by former Apple interface design chief Alan Dye.