Zuckerberg teases Muse Charm handheld AI device as Meta doubles down on wearables

Meta is doubling down on wearable AI, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg teasing Muse Charm, a small device built around its Muse agent, at the annual Connect conference.

Muse Charm, a Tamagotchi-like handheld gadget, is designed to house Muse, Meta's personal AI assistant that launched earlier this month. Zuckerberg said it would offer the fastest way for users to interact with the AI assistant without without using a phone, computer, or smart glasses.

"We packed the whole Muse experience, including the whole real-time voice and avatar stack into something that fits on a key chain and is always available to talk to you," Zuckerberg said, adding that Muse is the "centerpiece" of the company's vision for the future of AI.

The Meta CEO did not disclose pricing for Muse Charm, but said the device would be ready to ship in time for the December holiday season.

The social media giant also unveiled new VR glasses as part of its push to integrate AI features into wearable devices.

Earlier this month, Meta launched Muse, describing it as a "secure, private personal AI agent that proactively helps with people’s goals and suggests ideas."

Muse runs on Muse Secure VM, a virtual machine that houses both the agent and a user's data. The personal assistant is designed to work on a user's behalf across apps and learn from conversations.

In a Tuesday research note, Mizuho analysts maintained their "Outperform" rating and $750 price target on Meta Platforms, saying the bull case is "increasingly playing out" as Muse adoption gains momentum and the agent moves firmly to No. 1 in the App Store.

Meta's Nasdaq-listed shares closed up 1% at $744.1 on Wednesday.

Risks

While Meta steps up efforts to develop its personal AI agent, the broader AI industry has grown more cautious and called for a slowdown in the pace of AI development.

On Wednesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei both spoke at the UN General Assembly and called for greater coordination when it comes to AI development.

"We have unilaterally slowed down in the past. We will do so in the future." Altman said. "Beating companies in a competitive race is not a reason to make rash decisions."