/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24956945/23_Meta_Connect___Imagine.jpg "Meta AI assistant introduces multiple AI characters to WhatsApp, bids farewell to Instagram.")
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is entering the AI chatbot competition by introducing its own assistant and a range of AI characters on popular messaging platforms. The Meta AI assistant aims to be a versatile tool, capable of assisting with various tasks from planning a trip to answering search engine-like queries. It differentiates itself by offering real-time web results through a partnership with Microsoft’s Bing. Additionally, it has the ability to generate high-resolution images through a prompt command. The Meta AI assistant has been developed using a custom-made language model that incorporates the principles behind Meta’s Llama 2 model.
Meta is also launching 28 AI characters based on celebrities and specific use cases, such as a travel agent. These characters have an immersive feature called “embodiments,” where their profile images subtly animate based on the conversation. The company has implemented safeguards to prevent the AI from providing inappropriate or harmful information. The Meta AI assistant is currently not trained on public user data across Instagram and Facebook, but this integration is a part of its future roadmap. With its extensive user base, Meta aims to leverage its distribution advantage against competitors like OpenAI in the chatbot space.
Meta’s entry into the AI chatbot market with its assistant and AI characters signifies a new direction for the company, emphasizing its commitment to AI technology. The Meta AI assistant offers a range of features, including real-time web results, image generation, and conversational tones in its responses. The incorporation of AI characters based on celebrities adds a unique and engaging element to the user experience. As Meta continues to refine and expand its AI capabilities, integrating its extensive social networks into the assistant’s features is a key focus for the company. Ultimately, with billions of daily users, Meta is well-positioned to be a major player in the AI chatbot industry and potentially reach a broader audience than its competitors.