Meta has made waves in the world of technology by unveiling a suite of new AI-powered features during its highly anticipated 2023 Connect conference. These groundbreaking additions include AI chatbots, advanced Ray-Ban smart glasses, AI-driven image editing tools marking a significant step forward in the realm of social media and technology.
AI Chatbots Take Center Stage
The headline-grabbing announcement at the Connect conference was Meta's introduction of its new AI chat assistant tool, Meta AI. This intelligent chatbot will be integrated across all Meta apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and soon, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Quest 3 (don't worry! We will explain what Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Quest 3 is all about below).
What sets Meta AI apart is its ability to engage users in human-like conversations, offering real-time information and even generating images from text prompts.
Powered by state-of-the-art AI models, including technology from Llama 2 and Meta's latest large language model (LLM) research, Meta AI promises a more dynamic and efficient chatbot experience. Notably, the integration of Bing's real-time search information into Meta AI enhances its responsiveness and accuracy, providing users with timely answers to their inquiries.
A Celeb-Inspired Twist
Meta is adding a unique twist to its AI chatbot experience by offering various personalities, voiced by celebrities. Users will be able to interact with chatbots embodying the personas of well-known figures, enhancing engagement and entertainment. The roster of 28 chatbot personalities includes celebrities such as:
- Snoop Dogg
- Tom Brady
- Kendall Jenner
- Naomi Osaka
- Bear Grylls
- Chloe Kim
- Josh Richards
- Sam Kerr, the Australian soccer star and Matildas captain, who brings her "free-spirited friend" persona, Sally, into the AI chatbot lineup.
These celebrities are just a glimpse of the diverse range of personas that users can engage with through Meta's AI chatbots. With plans to roll out these chatbots in beta testing with selected U.S. users soon, Meta aims to revolutionize the way people interact with AI in their daily lives.
AI Image Editing on Instagram.
Smart Glasses and the Future of VR
Meta's collaboration with Ray-Ban continues with the introduction of the latest version of its smart glasses. These glasses will enable users to record videos, take photos, live stream, and interact with Meta's AI assistant. Moreover, a future software update promises advanced features like object identification and language translation, cementing smart glasses as a key player in the emerging era of mixed reality.
Do you want to see a live demo of these glasses in action? Have a look at this great demo by CNET:
Would you like to pick up a pair of these glasses for yourself? Ray-Ban have these available now on pre-order.
On the virtual reality front, Meta's Quest 3 VR headset takes center stage. Marketed as the "first mainstream mixed reality headset," the Quest 3 is set to launch in October, priced at $799.99 in Australia. With features like high-fidelity, full-color Passthrough and mixed reality experiences, Quest 3 aims to set new standards for VR and mixed reality technology.
For our Instgram fans, there are new AI features available for you too!
AI Image Editing on Instagram
Meta is introducing AI image editing features on Instagram. Dubbed "Restyle" and "Backdrop," these tools allow users to transform their images into entirely new styles and scenes using simple text prompts. For instance, you can describe the desired style, like "watercolor" or "collage from magazines and newspapers," and watch your image transform before your eyes.
Restyle and Backdrop not only offer creative possibilities for users but also have significant implications for brands. Companies can use these tools to create customized and thematic visuals for their posts, maintaining a consistent and visually appealing brand identity on Instagram.
Generative AI Stickers and More
Meta is also rolling out AI stickers across its apps, allowing users to generate custom digital stickers for their chats and stories. While this may seem like a minor addition, billions of stickers are exchanged on Meta's platforms each month, making this a valuable option for many users.
Additionally, Meta is launching an AI studio that enables people and developers to create their own AI chatbots, reflecting their unique communication styles and voices. This development is poised to open up exciting opportunities for businesses and creators alike, providing a new dimension to engagement and customer service.
As Meta continues to innovate and evolve, these recent announcements signify a significant leap forward in AI-driven social media and technology. Users can anticipate more engaging, personalized experiences, whether they're chatting with AI chatbots, experimenting with AI-generated visuals, or immersing themselves in mixed reality through smart glasses and VR headsets.
Stay tuned for further updates as these exciting features and technologies roll out, ushering in a new era of social media and technological innovation.