Meta announces AI chatbots with 'personality' - BBC News

Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced its latest foray into artificial intelligence with a range of new products. CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a mixed reality headset that blends virtual reality with the real world. Additionally, Meta introduced AI chatbots with unique personalities and expertise, as well as Ray-Ban smart glasses with integrated AI that can film and answer questions. These glasses are set to go on sale next month for $299. The company's focus on AI and the metaverse is an attempt to create a more coherent digital world, despite the significant financial losses incurred by Meta Reality Labs since 2022. Privacy concerns are raised regarding the smart glasses' ability to film and record, reflecting broader issues with consumer privacy in the tech industry.

Takeaways

• {"emoji":"📢","takeaway":"Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is integrating AI into daily routines with new products and services."}
• {"emoji":"🤖","takeaway":"Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a mixed reality headset that blends virtual reality with the real world."}
• {"emoji":"🧠","takeaway":"AI chatbots with distinct personalities and expertise are being developed by Meta."}
• {"emoji":"👓","takeaway":"Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI, capable of filming and answering questions, are set to go on sale for $299."}
• {"emoji":"📹","takeaway":"The smart glasses can film and upload videos, enhancing the user's ability to capture moments."}
• {"emoji":"🍹","takeaway":"AI chatbots can provide recommendations, such as pairing a mocktail with a specific dish."}
• {"emoji":"🎶","takeaway":"The new virtual and augmented reality headset, Quest 3, features a forward-facing camera for a more immersive experience."}
• {"emoji":"💰","takeaway":"Meta Reality Labs, responsible for VR, has lost $21 billion since the beginning of 2022."}
• {"emoji":"🎮","takeaway":"The Quest 3 headset aims to increase consumer interest in VR, particularly for gaming."}
• {"emoji":"🕶️","takeaway":"Smart glasses are seen as a step towards more accessible and approachable wearable tech."}
• {"emoji":"🔍","takeaway":"Privacy concerns are raised regarding the AI embedded in smart glasses that can see and hear the surroundings."}
• {"emoji":"🌐","takeaway":"Despite the push for the metaverse, consumer adoption of VR headsets remains low, with only 5% of UK adults owning one."}

Q & A

What is Meta's plan for integrating artificial intelligence into our daily routine?

Meta plans to integrate AI into our daily routine by introducing AI chatbots with different personalities and areas of expertise, as well as a new set of Ray-Ban smart glasses with built-in AI that can film, upload videos, and answer questions.

What is the significance of the mixed reality headset that Meta is developing?

The mixed reality headset is significant as it merges virtual reality with the real world, aiming to kick-start interest in the metaverse, a concept that Meta has invested billions in. It also features forward-facing cameras, allowing users to see their surroundings, which can reduce feelings of sickness associated with VR.

How does Meta's new set of Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI differ from traditional smart glasses?

Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI are designed to be more accessible and approachable for everyday use. They can film, upload videos, and answer questions, making them a step towards more mainstream adoption of wearable AI technology.

What is the current level of consumer interest in VR headsets according to Forrester data?

According to Forrester data, only five percent of UK online adults currently own a VR headset, with the majority using it for gaming. This indicates that there is still significant room for growth in consumer adoption of VR technology.

What are some potential concerns regarding the use of AI-enabled smart glasses?

Privacy is a major concern with AI-enabled smart glasses, as they have the capability to film and send video, potentially leading to invasion of privacy. There is also a level of discomfort associated with the 'creepiness' factor of being filmed and monitored by someone wearing these glasses.

What was Mark Zuckerberg's goal when he spoke at the event?

Mark Zuckerberg's goal was to breathe life into the concept of the metaverse and to showcase how Meta's technology can unify our physical experiences with the digital world, creating a more coherent and better overall experience.

How has Meta Reality Labs' investment in VR technology impacted their financials?

Meta Reality Labs, which creates VR technology, has experienced significant financial losses, with a loss of 21 billion dollars since the start of 2022.

What was the general sentiment at the event regarding the metaverse?

The metaverse was barely mentioned during the event, with the focus being on AI. This is ironic given that two years ago, Mark Zuckerberg proclaimed that Facebook was now a metaverse company and changed the name to Meta.

What is the potential impact of AI on Meta's product offerings?

AI is becoming a central focus for Meta, with the integration of AI chatbots and smart glasses indicating a shift towards an AI-driven company that aims to provide personalized and expert assistance to users.

What was the reaction of the experts to Meta's announcements?

The experts noted that while AI was a major focus, the metaverse was not as emphasized. They also highlighted the need for VR and mixed reality headsets to become more appealing to the masses and for privacy concerns to be addressed.

How might the success of Meta's new products affect the company's future?

The success of Meta's new products, such as the Quest 3 headset and AI-enabled Ray-Ban smart glasses, could significantly impact the company's future direction and financials, determining whether their investment in VR and AI technology pays off or not.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Meta's AI Integration and Mixed Reality Headset

Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is advancing into the consumer's daily lives with AI. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled a mixed reality headset that blends virtual reality with the real world. Additionally, Meta has introduced AI chatbots with distinct personalities and expertise. They also revealed Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI, capable of filming and uploading videos while answering questions. These glasses are set to go on sale next month for $299. The narrative includes a casual conversational example of how these AI features could be used in everyday life, such as sending a photo or getting advice on food pairing. The segment also addresses expert opinions on the significance of AI assistance in activities like making a mocktail. James Clayton, a correspondent in Silicon Valley, discusses his experience with the mixed reality headset, noting improvements over previous models, particularly the addition of a forward-facing camera and the reduced feeling of sickness in mixed reality environments. The narrative touches on the challenges Meta faces in popularizing the metaverse concept and the financial investment made in this area. It concludes with a discussion on the potential of VR headsets to attract more users to virtual reality gaming.

05:04

🤔 Public Adoption and Privacy Concerns of Smart Glasses

Despite the push for mainstream adoption of VR headsets, data from Forrester indicates that only five percent of UK online adults own a VR headset, primarily for gaming. The narrative shifts to discuss the potential of smart glasses, like the new Ray-Ban model with AI, as a more accessible form of wearable technology. However, there are significant privacy concerns associated with these devices, particularly their ability to film and transmit video, which could be intrusive. Mike Prall, Research Director at tech consultants Forrester, provides his insights, noting the irony that while Meta has rebranded around the metaverse, the focus of their recent event was on AI. He suggests that Meta's heavy investment in the metaverse may not align with current consumer desires and needs. The conversation also highlights the broader issue of consumer privacy across social media, the metaverse, and AI technologies.

Keywords

💡Meta

Meta is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. It is a leading technology company that has been investing heavily in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. In the context of the video, Meta is showcasing its advancements in AI chatbots, mixed reality headsets, and smart glasses, all of which are aimed at integrating AI into our daily lives.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the video, Meta introduces AI chatbots with distinct personalities and areas of expertise, demonstrating how AI can be personalized and integrated into various aspects of life, from sending photos to suggesting food pairings.

💡Mixed Reality Headset

A mixed reality headset is a device that combines elements of both virtual reality and augmented reality, allowing users to interact with a computer-generated environment that is seamlessly merged with the real world. Meta's new headset, the Quest 3, is highlighted as a significant step in making virtual reality more accessible and less disorienting for users.

💡Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

These are a new type of wearable technology that incorporate AI capabilities. The smart glasses mentioned in the video can film and upload videos, answer questions, and are designed to be stylish and less obtrusive, aiming to make wearable tech more appealing to the mainstream.

💡Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is a computer-generated simulation of an environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a headset with a screen inside. The video discusses Meta's efforts to popularize VR through products like the Quest 3 headset, which is designed to improve the user experience and reduce motion sickness.

💡Metaverse

The metaverse is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual reality. Mark Zuckerberg's vision, as mentioned in the video, is for the metaverse to be a place where people can socialize, work, and play. However, the video notes that the metaverse concept has not gained widespread traction as of yet.

💡AI Chatbots

AI chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate conversation with human users, offering personalized responses based on their programmed personalities and areas of expertise. In the video, Meta's AI chatbots are presented as a novel way to provide assistance and enhance user interaction with technology.

💡Smart Glasses

Smart glasses are wearable technology that typically function as a hands-free display and interface. They are equipped with a camera and other sensors, allowing them to perform tasks like filming and uploading videos. The Ray-Ban smart glasses mentioned in the video are an example of how smart glasses are becoming more integrated into everyday life.

💡Privacy Concerns

Privacy concerns refer to the worries and potential risks associated with the collection, use, and sharing of personal information. The video script raises privacy as a significant issue, particularly in relation to smart glasses that can film and potentially record people without their consent.

💡Consumer Acceptance

Consumer acceptance refers to how willing and eager the general public is to adopt and use new technologies. The video discusses the challenges of getting consumers to embrace new technologies like VR headsets and smart glasses, with current adoption rates being relatively low.

💡Tech Consultants

Tech consultants are professionals who provide expert advice and analysis on technology-related matters. In the video, Mike Prall, a research director at tech consultants Forrester, provides insights into Meta's AI and VR initiatives, discussing the broader implications for the tech industry and consumer behavior.

Highlights

Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, unveils plans to integrate AI into daily life.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduces a mixed reality headset merging virtual reality with the real world.

A team of AI chatbots with distinct personalities and expertise is announced by Meta.

Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI, capable of filming and answering questions, are revealed.

The smart glasses will be available for purchase next month at $299.

AI's role in assisting with tasks such as sending photos or suggesting food pairings is demonstrated.

James Clayton, correspondent at Silicon Valley, tests Meta's mixed reality headset.

The new Meta Quest 3 headset features a forward-facing camera for a more immersive experience.

Mixed reality can reduce the discomfort associated with traditional VR experiences.

Mark Zuckerberg's vision is for widespread adoption of the metaverse for social interaction.

Meta Reality Labs has reportedly lost $21 billion since the start of 2022.

The potential success of VR headsets like the Quest 3 will be determined in the coming weeks.

Mike Prall, Research Director at Forrester, notes that AI was the focus, not the metaverse, during Meta's event.

Only 5% of UK online adults own a VR headset, primarily for gaming, according to Forrester data.

Smart glasses are seen as a step towards more accessible wearable technology.

Privacy concerns are raised regarding the AI embedded in smart glasses that can film and send videos.

Consumer privacy is a significant issue across smart devices, social media, and the metaverse.