In a groundbreaking move that blurs the lines between reality and the virtual world, Meta (formerly Facebook) has expanded its artificial intelligence (AI) portfolio — ushering in a new era of both online and metaverse experiences.
The metaverse has taken center stage in Meta’s recent announcements, following the much-anticipated pre-order release of the Meta Quest 3 VR headset and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
The newly released devices integrate “Meta AI,” a digital assistant that aims to go beyond traditional AI capabilities.
Meta AI is, in fact, designed to transcend conventional question-and-answer interactions, aiming to become more human-like and engaging.
To that aim, the Meta’s latest development introduces AI-driven personas with the personalities of 28 iconic figures, including Snoop Dogg, Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner, Paris Hilton, Roy Choi, and more.
Each AI personality is assigned a unique persona and expertise, offering users a diverse array of interactions.
For example, Roy Choi will embody Max, a seasoned sous chef ready to provide culinary tips and tricks. Users can turn to Max for expert advice on meal preparation.
Meta started a beta rollout of these AI chatbots in the United States on September 27, 2023, with plans to introduce more personalities soon.
Acknowledging that it’s still the early days for its AIs, Meta remains committed to refining and enhancing their capabilities.
Looking ahead, Meta mentioned the development of a sandbox set to launch in the coming year. This sandbox will empower creators to create their own AIs, amplifying realism, embodiment, and connectivity within the metaverse.