Meta Unveils Standalone AI App to Rival ChatGPT

Meta has officially entered the AI assistant arena with the launch of its standalone Meta AI app, unveiled today at the company’s inaugural LlamaCon developer conference. This move positions Meta directly against established players like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, aiming to carve out its niche by leveraging the social dynamics of its vast user base.

Built upon Meta’s latest Llama 4 language model, the app offers users a conversational AI experience through both text and voice interactions. What sets Meta’s offering apart is its integration with the user’s existing social data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This allows the AI to provide personalized responses, such as remembering dietary preferences or tailoring recommendations based on past interactions.

A standout feature of the app is the “Discover” feed, where users can share and view AI interactions within their social circles. This social layer aims to demystify AI by showcasing real-world applications and fostering community engagement. For instance, users might share creative prompts or AI-generated content, turning individual interactions into communal experiences.

The app also introduces an experimental “full-duplex” voice mode, enabling more natural, flowing conversations without the need for repeated prompts. This feature is currently available in select regions, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Meta’s strategic integration of AI across its ecosystem is evident, with the standalone app complementing existing AI functionalities embedded in WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Additionally, the app replaces the previous companion for Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, now offering features like object recognition and real-time translation, with plans for a more advanced model featuring a heads-up display later this year.

While the app is free to use, Meta plans to introduce a subscription model for advanced features in the near future.

As the AI landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Meta’s foray with a socially integrated assistant underscores its ambition to redefine user interaction with AI, making it not just a tool, but a shared experience.