At Meta’s recent Connect event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the company’s new AI agent, Muse, emphasizing a commitment to integrating AI across its platforms.
During the latest episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec and Sean O’Kane discussed how Meta’s AI announcement captured attention amid recent model releases from OpenAI and Anthropic.
While competitors focus largely on enterprise tools, Meta surprised many with a shift toward consumer-centric AI, exemplified by a charming, Tamagotchi-inspired AI product aimed at adults. Kirsten suggested that this move might align with Meta’s strengths in engaging everyday users.
Sean tried Muse himself and found it useful in locating some unclaimed money, although he labeled the experience more of a “party trick” rather than a feature likely to maintain regular usage. Additionally, he raised concerns regarding trust in Meta’s AI handling sensitive personal data.
“Meta’s business revolves around advertising,” Sean noted. “They argue that knowing more about users leads to more engaging ads, but that perspective seems rather far-fetched.”
Read on for highlights from our edited discussion.
Kirsten Korosec: How does Muse, this new consumer-directed AI agent from Meta, fit into the current landscape where other AI companies focus on enterprise solutions? Meta has clearly committed to Muse, especially after the recent Connect event.
Anthony Ha: It’s surprising because the conversation has shifted toward enterprise solutions, where significant financial opportunities lie. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are gearing up for potential public offerings and need to focus on profitability due to high operational costs and valuations. Perhaps Meta perceives a gap in the consumer market that they can exploit more effectively.
Kirsten: While Meta often faces criticism, they have consistently integrated their services into daily life, boasting large user bases on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Continuing to prioritize consumer needs seems like a wise strategy.
Sean, you’ve interacted with Muse for a couple of weeks. What are your thoughts on its potential to become a regular part of everyday life?
Sean O’Kane: I’m not entirely convinced. While some people may view it as likely, it reminds me of Meta’s approach to AI similar to OpenClaw, an app they acquired that automates various tasks. Muse functions as a chatbot that can handle tasks effectively.
One feature I explored was its ability to check for unclaimed funds—a task most people overlook. To my surprise, I found some funds that I had no idea existed. It was a fantastic start, but its novelty will wear off, making it more of a one-off experience rather than a consistent tool.
Kirsten: You might be underestimating its potential popularity.
Sean: A more sustainable feature could involve managing personal finances, like analyzing credit card information or identifying subscriptions to cancel, similar to existing services. However, that entails a level of trust in Meta that many may not have. Initially, I was surprised that Muse didn’t immediately integrate with my social media accounts, making it feel less intrusive.
However, as I used it more, it seemed to demand access to my data, which raised trust issues. In contrast, with my recent iPhone upgrade and improved Siri capabilities, I find myself more willing to share sensitive information with Apple rather than Meta, whose primary business revolves around selling ads.
Ultimately, beyond the initial financial gain, I have yet to discover anything significantly beneficial that would warrant regular use, although its consumer-friendly approach certainly plays a role in capturing interest.
