Meta Launches Standalone AI App to Rival ChatGPT
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced its first standalone AI assistant app, positioning itself as a direct competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The new app, unveiled on Tuesday, provides users with direct access to Meta’s advanced generative artificial intelligence models.
In a video posted on Instagram, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced, “A billion people are already using Meta AI across our apps, so we’ve created a new standalone Meta AI app for you to explore.” He described the app as a “personal AI” designed to interact primarily through voice conversations, with responses tailored to individual users.
Personalized and Social Features
Initially, the app will offer basic functionality, learning users’ interests over time. However, Zuckerberg hinted at future enhancements, stating, “You’ll soon be able to share more about yourself and the people you care about from across our apps, if you choose.”
Embracing its social media roots, the app includes a feed where users can view and share AI-generated posts. “We learn from each other, so we’ve integrated this feature directly into the app,” said Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, during the company’s LlamaCon developer event. “You can share prompts, art, and more—it’s incredibly engaging.”
Enhanced Smart Glasses Integration
The new app replaces Meta View as the companion application for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, enabling seamless interaction across glasses, mobile, and desktop platforms. “We prioritized a natural voice experience—the most intuitive interface possible,” Cox added.
Human-Like Conversations
Meta also introduced an experimental mode that allows the AI to engage in more natural, human-like dialogues. “You’ll hear interruptions, laughter, and real-time exchanges—just like a phone call,” Cox explained. However, the feature currently lacks web search capabilities, limiting its ability to answer questions about live events or trending topics.
Privacy and Personalization
Users can opt to let Meta AI learn from their Instagram or Facebook activity to enhance personalization. “It can remember important details, like your children’s names or your spouse’s birthday, ensuring your assistant stays helpful,” Cox noted.
Open-Source Advantage
The launch comes as OpenAI continues to dominate the consumer AI space with ChatGPT. Meta is leveraging its open-source Llama AI model to attract developers, offering greater customization compared to OpenAI’s closed system. “Open source allows you to mix and match the best parts of different models to create exactly what you need,” Zuckerberg told developers at LlamaCon. “This flexibility is incredibly powerful.”
With this move, Meta aims to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, combining social connectivity with cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
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Meta Launches Standalone AI App to Rival ChatGPT