Meta's Charm gadget carries CEO Mark Zuckerberg's big AI ambitions
The device, called Muse Charm, highlights a broader shift at the social media giant that has long sought to escape Apple and Google's operating systems with a platform of its own. Users can tap the gadget to access Muse directly, bypassing AI apps on smartphones.
During Meta's annual event on Wednesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized Apple, but borrowed from Steve Jobs' playbook with the unveiling of a small device called Muse Charm. This gadget aims to bring Meta's popular Muse AI agent into the real world. Muse Charm highlights Meta's shift away from competing with Apple and Google by creating its own platform. Users can access Muse directly via the gadget, bypassing AI apps on smartphones.
Meta's CEO sees personal superintelligence as the greater and more immediate breakthrough, following the failure of the metaverse. Muse Charm is set to be available across Meta's smart glasses lineup. The AI agent has seen millions of downloads, potentially marking the biggest app launch in the US since ChatGPT launched in November 2022, sparking an AI boom.
Investors have shown confidence in Muse's potential, with shares of partners such as Shopify soaring while companies seen as vulnerable to disruption, including Booking and TurboTax, suffered losses. Analysts suggest that Muse Charm may appeal to Gen Z, who treat AI assistants as companions or brainstorming partners. The device features a small screen navigable by thumb, with a customizable Muse character at its center.
A 5G modem allows access to Muse even without Wi-Fi, though it cannot make calls. Some may find Muse Charm appealing due to its fashionable and personalized nature. However, similar devices have had limited success, with the Rabbit R1 failing due to overpromising on AI features and delivering an unreliable experience.
Written by urgent.news from Economic Times Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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