Meet your new assistant 'Muse': Meta launches AI agent that can send emails, make payments; know how it works
PTC News Desk: Meta has launched a new artificial intelligence assistance called Muse specifically for proactively providing assistance to people in achieving their goals and suggesting ideas. The tool was launched on Tuesday with an objective of carrying out actions such as sending emails, booking travel, managing schedules and handling other day to day activities with limited user intervention.
Currently it is only available to adults in the United States, it can be accessed through a dedicated app and Meta's WhatsApp platform.
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"Introducing Muse, the personal agent that understands your goals and works 24/7 to get things done for you," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. "Muse is built from the ground up for privacy and security. Your data and credentials live on the Muse Secure VM -- an isolated linux computer with a browser, CPU, memory, and storage," he added.
How Musa works ?
Unlike traditional AI assistants, Muse is designed to be easy for billions of people to use, without requiring technical knowledge or a learning period. Users can start using it immediately to handle everyday tasks such as sending emails and booking travel, as well as more complex goals.
Once a user gives Muse a goal, the AI can create a personalised plan, manage time and resources, and continue working towards the goal on its own. It can browse websites, fill out forms and even negotiate on a user's behalf.
For tasks that take longer, Muse can continue working even after the user closes the app. It can return when there is an important update or when user approval is required, such as before sending an email or completing a purchase.
The company says Muse is designed to achieve better results with less effort. It could, for example, help someone sell a car at a better price, negotiate a lower bill or update a fitness plan when other aspects of their life change.
Secure payments and account access
Muse can make payments through Link, a service developed by Stripe. It is also described as the first AI agent covered by Link's purchase protection programme, which includes protection for eligible purchases against issues such as damaged or lost items, price drops and certain returns.
Link's agent wallet creates a one-time-use virtual card, keeping the user's actual card details hidden while making online purchases. Support for Shop Pay is expected to be added later, along with 1Password, allowing Muse to use login details that users already have.
Meta focuses on safety and privacy
Meta has acknowledged that allowing an AI assistant to access personal information and digital accounts can create new privacy and security risks.
Company executives said the launch had been delayed earlier in the year to improve security and reduce the risk of misuse or unintended actions.
To address these concerns, Meta has developed monitoring systems that can review certain actions before they are carried out. For sensitive tasks, the system may also ask users for approval.
The launch of Muse reflects Meta's efforts to move beyond traditional AI chatbots and develop digital assistants that can take action and complete tasks on behalf of users. The technology could significantly change how people interact with digital services in their everyday lives.
- With inputs from agencies
