Meta has launched a new compact device named "Muse Charm," designed to enable users to converse with its smart assistant "Muse" without the necessity of a smartphone or computer. This step has provoked mixed reactions, with some drawing comparisons to the
famous Japanese game "Tamagotchi," an electronic portable game from the 1990s that involved nurturing a small virtual character. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, unveiled the device during the closing remarks of the "Meta Connect" event. He clarified that it was designed to
be small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of a hand or to be attached to a keyring. The device offers immediate access to "Muse" by pressing a sensor located in one of its corners, allowing the user to communicate
with the smart assistant without having to unlock their phone or open any specific application. Zuckerberg stated: "The device can be attached to a keyring, and it is always available to talk to." "Muse Charm" is part of Meta's broader strategy to
expand the use of its artificial intelligence assistant beyond traditional phones and computers. The company had previously announced the availability of "Muse" through its smart glasses, enabling users to request assistance during activities such as exercising, cooking, or driving, as
well as for obtaining nutritional information, searching for missing products and items, booking appointments, and inquiring about flight prices. To activate "Muse," one simply needs to utter its name and state the request, after which the system operates in the background
and returns results to the user upon completion of the task. Limited images and videos of the device reveal a small screen displaying the virtual avatar chosen by the user for their smart assistant, along with a sensor that can be
pressed to summon "Muse." Zuckerberg reported that Meta has produced a limited number of devices for testing, clarifying that the final materials used in manufacturing or the internal component arrangement have not yet been decided. He added that the company plans
to make the device ready for shipment in December, without disclosing its price. The "Muse Charm" sparked wide discussion on social media platforms. Some users welcomed the idea, considering it "the smartest use of AI to date," while others questioned whether
the device represents an innovation that can compete with products from major tech companies like Apple. Conversely, other users reiterated comparisons of the device to the "Tamagotchi" game, and some criticized its necessity given the presence of smartphones and smartwatches that
offer similar services.
