Meta’s AI assistant, Muse, which handles tasks like travel bookings, form completion, and online shopping, has already gained widespread popularity. Now, a new initiative from Meta is set to attract tech enthusiasts and developers.
On Friday, Meta unveiled Muse Gadgets, an open-source project empowering developers to create their own hardware that interfaces with Muse.
Meta is providing open-source firmware (the foundational software for devices) and a Linux software development kit (SDK). They also shared initial project concepts, such as integrating Muse with a color e-ink display or embedding it into a dongle that connects to a TV’s HDMI port.
The possibilities appear vast. Users can utilize affordable single-board computers like a Raspberry Pi or off-the-shelf ESP32 boards, then connect Muse to “your displays, buttons, sensors, actuators, and whatever else you’ve got lying on your workbench,” as Meta described.
To support users, Meta has also established a Discord channel.
Meta has, of course, already experimented with the code internally. Nat Friedman, head of product at Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, mentioned in an X post that the company developed a gadget called Muse Home Link. This USB-C powered device enables Muse to connect to a home network and interact with connected smart devices, including speakers and smart TVs.
Meta actually produced 5,000 Muse Home Links and is distributing them free to Muse subscribers while supplies last, according to Friedman. Given that Friedman’s post about Home Link garnered nearly 30,000 views in just a few hours, it’s likely these free units have already been claimed. Friedman indicated that Home Link would be ready for shipment in a few weeks.
While Muse Gadgets might not appeal to everyone, it aligns perfectly with Meta’s comprehensive strategy to expand Muse beyond a standard chatbot. Meta isn’t just focusing on mainstream consumers; it’s also actively trying to attract small businesses and enterprises.
Earlier this week, the company launched Muse for Small Business, which offers a free tier with usage limits and integrates Muse with tools such as Shopify, Dropbox, and Slack. Additionally, Meta has established a new business unit, Meta Enterprise Platform, to facilitate the delivery of its AI solutions to corporate clients and businesses.