Meta is making bold moves in the AI and augmented reality (AR) space, aiming to captivate billions of users worldwide. At its annual product launch event, Meta introduced AI chatbots featuring the voices of Hollywood stars like Judi Dench and John Cena, signaling the company's commitment to enhancing user engagement through artificial intelligence.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg also showcased a prototype of sleek augmented reality glasses, envisioning a future where these glasses could replace smartphones. These AR glasses can display holographic text messages, apps, and even place video calls directly in the user's field of vision.
Meta's strategic push into AI and VR/AR technologies is part of its effort to diversify revenue streams beyond its highly profitable advertising model. The newly launched AI, accessible on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, boasts over 400 million monthly users and aims to become the most widely used AI assistant by the end of the year.
However, Meta faces significant challenges. The AI service will not be available in Europe due to stringent data protection laws, which restrict how user data from Meta's platforms can be utilized. Critics also warn that Meta's AI might confuse users, as it can be easily mistaken for standard search functions on social media platforms.
Competition in the AI arena remains fierce, with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple leading the charge in productivity and AI-capable software. Despite these hurdles, Meta's profits and share prices continue to rise, driven by strong advertising results on its core platforms.
Looking ahead, the release of Meta's AR glasses is still years away, but Zuckerberg remains optimistic about their potential as a hands-free alternative to traditional smartphones. Additionally, Meta is enhancing its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which will soon feature live translation capabilities, further blending technology with everyday fashion.
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Meta bets big on celebrity AI voices and augmented reality glasses
cgtn.com
