Mark Zuckerberg unveils Tamagotchi-style AI device

The Meta chief described the pocket sized AI agent as a ‘joyful little device’

Muse Charm is a retro Tamagotchi-style device that demonstrates a broader shift from the social media giants towards the production of physical technological goods.

Trying to step out of Apple and Google’s operating system through a platform of its own, the gadget is meant to bypass phones and applications, giving users access to an AI agent with a simple tap.

Having once tried to make the Metaverse the new normal, an immersive digital space that championed the company’s rebranding, Meta is looking to diversify its products after the digital world failure. 

Zuckerberg’s next big thing comes as “personal superintelligence”, in what he sees a bigger breakthrough than previous costly projects.

At Meta’s annual “Connect conference”, Zuckerberg shared that the company has shifted its focus “to building the best devices for personal superintelligence,” adding the Muse AI would be available in the smart glasses lineup.

Meta’s shares have gone up 12% this week following the unveiling of Muse Charm, a steep increase since being down 2% in premarket trading. 

Muse AI went through a blockbuster few days, drawing millions of downloads in what was described as the biggest app launch in the US since ChatGPT’s arrival in 2022, according to analysts.

However, the launch has not been seen under the same light as others, with the new device being dubbed the “evil Tamagotchi”.

Nevertheless, Zuckerberg believes that bringing Muse AI to the real world could be a breakthrough like none other. 

“It is actually quite clear personal superintelligence will not only come first; it will be much bigger and more important,” said the Facebook creator.

Investors are said to have embraced the potential of Meta’s Muse, especially when it comes to automating tasks like booking flights to filing taxes.

Analysts also believe that the launch could benefit partner’s shares, such as Shopify, while disrupting vulnerable companies, including the online travel agency, Booking, and Inuit’s tax filling software, TurboTax.

What tasks can Muse Charm actually perform?

The pocket-sized gadget is said to be able to perform a plethora of tasks by simply tapping its screen and talking to it directly to perform tasks such as:

• Booking flights and hotel stays for your vacations
• Filling taxes (which proves very useful to our American counterpart)
• Drafting and replying to a raft of emails
• Asking it basic information when you can't type into google
• Outsourcing being on hold when calling your provider and notifying you when someone's on call
• Figuring out what subscriptions are eating into your wallet
• Your personal style scout when shopping or simply getting dressed for the day
• Getting your personal info off data-broker sites
• Comparing for better quotes (insurance, phone provider, gym membership, etc.)

All in all, Muse seems to have been a helping hand like none other since its initial launch, and having it in your backpacked (literally) might just be the game changer that the Zuck has been looking for.

We're still in the early stages since the unveiling, which took place this Wednesday, and little can be said now.

The current demographic for Muse Charm lays within teenagers and young adults, so we'll just have to find out if they consider it a flop or bop.