Meta Adds Voice and Video to Muse AI Avatars
US users can now chat in real time with customizable animated Muse avatars via voice or video.
TL;DR
- Meta rolls out voice and video chats with Muse AI avatars to all US users.
- Customizable avatars like Jolly add expressions and gestures during talks.
- Real-time mode works on mobile, web and Mac, with plans for Charm device and glasses.
Meta just turned on voice and video for its Muse AI agent in the US.
Users can now call or video chat with an animated avatar powered by new real-time models. The default is a cute character called Jolly, but people can swap it for a person, animal or any other design.
The avatar adds subtle expressions and gestures that match the conversation tone. Responses arrive quickly on mobile, web and Mac, with short pauses when the AI checks something.
Meta chief AI officer Alexandr Wang shared a demo of his fluffy white dog avatar suggesting meme disclaimers. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also highlighted the real-time voice mode.
The update arrives just before Meta ships its Tamagotchi-style Muse Charm wearable later this year. The same avatars and voice features will reach that gadget and the company’s AI glasses.
The Tea
Meta is betting that giving its AI a face and a voice will make people feel more attached to it than text-only rivals. With the Charm device on the way, this could turn AI chats into something you carry around like a digital pet.