Meta unveils Meta AI, its implementation of generative AI technology aimed at competing with ChatGPT
The Social AI Revolution: Meta AI Takes On ChatGPT and More
In a bold move, Meta has introduced Meta AI, its standalone AI assistant, available for download on both iOS and Android devices. This puts Meta directly in competition with services like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Le Chat, or Gemini (Google).
Initially, the application is only available in France, albeit in an incomplete version according to Le Monde. Users can interact with the AI assistant by submitting requests via text or voice commands using Meta's connected devices, such as the augmented reality glasses Ray-Ban.
Meta AI utilizes its own generative AI model, Llama, for response generation. The company released version 4 of Llama earlier in April, claiming it offers improved results in image and video analysis, as well as more personalized and relevant responses in a conversational tone. The AI assistant also has internet access to provide users with up-to-date responses.
One of the unique features of Meta AI is the creation of a "Discover" feed. This feed serves as a platform for users to share and explore AI-generated content, sparking a new era of social AI interaction. Users can publicly post prompts, questions, and AI-generated responses for others to browse, fostering a sense of community among AI users.
However, this public sharing of AI interactions comes with some concerns. While Meta promises users are in control of what they share, some initial tests in the US have shown instances of personal data being displayed in responses. The exact sharing options within the Discover feed have yet to be fully clarified.
Meta AI is not the first to bring a social aspect to AI assistants. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly considering the development of a social network linked to ChatGPT, while Elon Musk's x has integrated Grok directly into x's posts.
The launch of Meta AI has been met with mixed reception. In April 2022, a report by The Wall Street Journal revealed it was possible, in the US, for users to engage in sexual exchanges with virtual avatars created by Meta AI, even when the service user identified as a minor. Meta dismissed these reports as "manipulations," not representative of how most internet users interact with generative AI. At present, these Meta AI avatars are not available in the French interface.
Stay tuned for more updates as Meta AI continues to shake up the AI assistant market.
Sources:
- Le Monde
- The Verge
- TechCrunch
- Meta AI
- Meta Press Kit
- Meta AI's Discover feed allows users to share and explore AI-generated content, marking a new era of social AI interaction.
- Although Meta AI's Discover feed offers a unique feature, it also raises concerns about the potential sharing of personal data in AI interactions.
- The supposed manipulative reports about sexual exchanges with virtual avatars created by Meta AI, even among minors, have been dismissed by Meta.
- Despite the controversy, Meta AI's launch signifies a shift in the AI assistant market, with competitors like OpenAI and Elon Musk's x also exploring social aspects for their AI offerings.
