MENLO PARK, United States: Meta is developing new artificial intelligence tools and smart glasses as the technology company prepares to showcase its latest products at its annual Connect conference.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to highlight Meta’s AI developments at the event, including new consumer-focused services designed to compete with leading artificial intelligence platforms.
AI assistants expand capabilities
Earlier this month, Meta introduced Muse, an AI assistant designed to complete tasks on behalf of users. The service can perform activities such as booking appointments, making calls and signing up for services after users connect personal accounts.
ALSO READ: Irish Regulator Fines Google €403 Million Over Location Data Processing
Muse is powered by Meta’s own AI models and competes with systems such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude. However, some companies have raised concerns over automated AI shopping, with Amazon blocking Meta’s AI bots from purchasing products on behalf of users.
Smart glasses raise privacy debate
Meta has also continued developing AI-powered smart glasses, a product category it entered in 2021.
The company has introduced glasses with AI features and augmented reality capabilities through its partnership with eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica. However, privacy concerns have followed the technology, with critics questioning the risks of cameras and recording features in public spaces.
Meta says its glasses include a visible recording indicator that cannot be disabled without stopping camera functions.
Balancing innovation and safety
The company’s AI expansion comes as Meta faces wider scrutiny over privacy and child safety issues. In August, it reached a settlement related to allegations involving children’s online privacy protections.
As Meta develops AI services and wearable technology, the company faces the challenge of advancing new products while responding to concerns over privacy, safety and responsible technology use.
