Meta Unveils 28 AI Personas and Next-Generation Smart Glasses

Meta has introduced 28 new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered personas and a new generation of smart glasses.

The new offerings were unveiled Wednesday (Sept. 27) during the tech giant’s Meta Connect event.

Each of the new AIs has a personality and unique interests, and users can interact with them via the company’s messaging platforms: Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp, Meta said in a Wednesday blog post. The AIs will also have their own social profiles on Facebook and Instagram, enabling users to learn more about them. 

“Our journey with AIs is just beginning, and it isn’t purely about building AIs that only answer questions,” Meta said in another Wednesday blog post. “We’ve been creating AIs that have more personality, opinions and interests, and are a bit more fun to interact with.”

Some of the AIs are based on cultural icons and influencers, such as a dance enthusiast based on Charli D’Amelio and a pro golfer based on Chris Paul, according to the post. These AIs began rolling out in beta in the United States on Wednesday, and more will be added in the coming weeks.

Meta’s next-generation smart glasses were also unveiled Wednesday. Developed in partnership with eyewear brand EssilorLuxottica, the smart glasses include improved audio and cameras, a lighter and more comfortable design, and a choice of more than 150 different frame and lens combinations, Meta said in a separate Wednesday blog post.

In addition, users can livestream from the glasses to Facebook or Instagram, hands-free, and can engage with the company’s conversational assistant, Meta AI, by using their voice, according to the post.

The Meta AI features will be optimized for a hands-free, on-the-go experience, the post said.

“By saying ‘Hey, Meta,’ you can engage with Meta AI to spark creativity, get information and control features — just by using your voice,” Meta said in the post. 

The smart glasses are now available for pre-order, and will be available for purchase online and in retail stores beginning Oct. 17, per the post. The Meta AI features will be available in the U.S. in beta only at launch. 

With its launch of new AI chatbots with distinct personalities, Meta is looking to draw younger consumers to its platforms, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Sunday (Sept. 24). Younger consumers have been a priority for Meta as it has seen teenagers flock to TikTok instead of its own platforms.