Key facts
- Meta launched Muse, a personal AI agent that connects to users' apps and services.
- Muse can perform tasks like sending emails, booking travel, filling out forms, and making purchases.
- The agent is powered by Meta's Muse Spark AI model and uses built-in connectors or user-provided credentials for app access.
- Muse will be available for free with paid subscription plans offering increased usage.
- Meta states Muse operates in a secure virtual machine to protect user data and privacy.
- Meta has a history of privacy violations, which may impact consumer trust in Muse.
Meta has launched Muse, its most significant consumer AI offering to date, aiming to move beyond simple chatbots to an AI agent capable of performing real-world tasks. The agent connects to users' existing apps and services, such as email, calendars, and payment platforms, to execute actions like sending emails, booking travel, and making purchases.
Muse is powered by Meta's Muse Spark AI model and features built-in connectors for various services, with plans to integrate more over time. Users can also set up connections for services with public APIs or access them via a browser if no API is available. The opt-in nature allows users to connect apps one at a time, enhancing transparency.
The agent will be accessible through its website, iOS and Android apps, WhatsApp chats, and Meta's AI glasses. While free to use, Meta will offer two paid subscription plans, Power ($20/month) and Maximum ($100/month), for users who require more extensive task delegation. A usage meter will inform users about their remaining free usage.
Meta emphasizes Muse's security, stating it operates within a dedicated, secure virtual machine called Muse Secure VM, isolated from Meta's advertising systems. A separate Sentinel agent runs on the same VM, ensuring Muse cannot access user passwords or payment methods. Despite these assurances, Meta's history of privacy violations, including significant FTC settlements and past data breaches, raises concerns about consumer trust.
The company is attempting to rebuild trust by providing detailed technical documentation and allowing users to customize Muse with a name and avatar, fostering a sense of personal connection. Whether these measures will be sufficient for consumers to entrust Meta with more personal information remains to be seen.