Meta launches Muse Charm device for AI assistant, priced at $199

Meta unveiled a new hardware device called Muse Charm at the company’s Meta Connect conference on Tuesday, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg holding up the chunky, strap‑less gadget at the end of the presentation. The device is a dedicated screen for Meta’s Muse AI agent, the company’s latest conversational assistant that can answer questions, draft text and control Meta apps. Zuckerberg said the device will let users interact with Muse without needing a phone or a headset.

The launch comes as Meta doubles down on artificial intelligence after a year of heavy investment in large language models and generative tools. Muse is the first AI that runs across Meta’s family of apps, from Instagram to Workplace, and the company has been positioning it as a “personal AI companion.” A standalone device signals that Meta wants to give Muse a physical presence, similar to Amazon’s Echo Show or Apple’s HomePod. It also reflects a broader industry trend of pairing AI agents with dedicated hardware to improve speed, privacy and user experience. Meta has tried hardware before with the Quest VR headsets and the Portal video chat line, but those products never reached mainstream adoption. By building a device that sits on a desk or a nightstand, Meta hopes to make Muse a daily habit rather than an occasional app feature.

Analysts say the Muse Charm could be a modest revenue stream if priced competitively, but they caution that the market for AI‑focused gadgets is still unproven. Sources familiar with the project expect a launch in early 2025, with a price tag around $199. The device will run a stripped‑down version of Meta’s operating system, optimized for on‑device processing of voice and text. Developers will get a software kit later this year to build custom Muse skills. If the hardware catches on, it could give Meta a foothold in the emerging “AI companion” market and provide a new channel for advertising and data collection. If sales lag, Meta may have to rethink its hardware strategy and focus on integrating Muse more deeply into existing devices.