Meta Unveils Standalone AI App, Meta AI, to Rival ChatGPT

Meta Platforms, Inc. has introduced a standalone AI application, Meta AI, designed to compete with popular chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. The new application, unveiled during Meta's LlamaCon event, allows users to interact with the AI independently of other Meta platforms. This development follows Meta's integration of AI features into its existing social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

Meta AI is built on the company's proprietary large language model technology, Llama, which has already been integrated into various social media applications. The standalone app enables users to access AI services directly, without the need to navigate through other Meta products. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, highlighted in a video posted on Instagram that Meta AI is designed to function as a personal AI assistant, with a primary focus on voice interactions. He described the AI as a tool that can help users obtain news and manage personal tasks.

OpenAI's ChatGPT, launched in 2022, has quickly become a phenomenon, with a reported 8 billion active users per week. Meta's executives believe that their chatbot, with its voice interaction capabilities, personalized features, and access to social media platform data, can offer a differentiated experience. By integrating data from Meta's platforms, the new AI application can initially understand user preferences and interests. Zuckerberg explained, "If you choose, you can let Meta AI fully understand you and the people you care about through our applications."

The standalone application also includes a social information feed feature, allowing users to share their experiences with the AI and connect with Meta's Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Zuckerberg noted, "This is just the beginning of our long journey."

Meta's decision to launch the application ahead of its first AI conference, LlamaCon, held in Menlo Park, California, underscores the company's strategic move to enhance its AI capabilities. During the event, Meta previewed its Llama API developer platform and showcased advancements in reasoning speed and AI-generated fraud and phishing content detection. This initiative reflects Meta's commitment to leveraging AI to improve user engagement and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.