Meta unveils Charm AI gadget in post-smartphone race

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg surprised attendees at the company's annual device event by introducing a compact handheld gadget named Meta Charm, intended to facilitate the use of Meta's new Muse AI assistant. The AI device is expected to be available for purchase in time for the holiday season, although the exact price remains undisclosed. Resembling the size of an Apple AirPods case, the Meta Charm is designed to be portable and user-friendly.

In addition to the Meta Charm, Meta also showcased virtual-reality glasses aimed at complementing its VR console. These VR glasses, priced at $1,299, are designed to rival larger and more expensive alternatives such as Apple's Vision Pro. Weighing approximately the same as a deck of playing cards, these glasses achieve their slim profile by relocating the battery and processor into a separate puck. The VR glasses are slated for a spring 2027 release.

Furthermore, Meta unveiled a pair of camera-free smart glasses aimed at addressing growing concerns over privacy issues associated with AI devices that capture videos and images of individuals without their consent. These smart glasses, priced at $299, are designed to offer a more secure and privacy-conscious alternative in the realm of wearable technology.