Meta’s Muse taps into 'kidult' market
In a world of Labubus and “kidults,” Muse’s cutesy aesthetic is a smart play for the company.
Meta's AI venture, Muse, is gaining traction among consumers seeking a blend of technology and playfulness. Following a tough summer marred by negative publicity over its VR glasses and social media trials, the company's latest move is proving to be a commercial success. Shares of Meta have surged more than 25% since the launch of Muse earlier this month. Experts believe that this agent could serve as a catalyst for bringing agentic AI from business to consumer applications.
To complement Meta's newly unveiled $1,299 VR glasses, the company has introduced a charming keychain called the Muse Charm. This Tamagotchi-style accessory enables users to summon Muse with a simple tap. Featuring avatars of Meta's lovable Muse mascot, the charm is designed to appeal to the growing "kidult" demographic - adults who enjoy the whimsy and simplicity of children's products.
In an industry often dominated by tech-savvy, cerebral offerings, Meta's cute aesthetic serves as a refreshing contrast and a potential antidote to the more intellectual and cerebral vibe that prevails.
However, like many fad gadgets, toys, and video games - including Meta's previous foray into VR headsets (a nod to the much-hyped metaverse concept), the success of the Charm and Muse is uncertain. While the initial buzz is promising, there is a risk that the allure of these products may wear off quickly, much like a summer hit song fading away when the first frost arrives.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
