Meta is preparing to introduce a standalone artificial intelligence app, adding to its lineup of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, according to a CNBC report on Thursday.
As competition heats up with Amazon, OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, Meta has been gradually incorporating AI into its ecosystem since launching its chatbot in 2023. The new AI-focused app aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of developing the most widely used AI assistant in the world.
According to sources, Meta aims to roll out the standalone AI app by mid-2024. In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reacted to the news with a post on X (formerly Twitter), hinting at OpenAI potentially launching a competing social app.
Meta is also exploring a paid subscription model for its AI platform, following a strategy used by ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to generate revenue.
Although Meta declined to comment, the company recently announced strong financial results for 2024 and unveiled plans to expand its AI infrastructure.
Zuckerberg remains confident in Meta’s AI ambitions, stating:
“I expect this is going to be the year when a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant reaches more than 1 billion people, and I expect Meta AI to be that leading Assistant.”
Meanwhile, the rise of Chinese startup DeepSeek, known for its cost-effective AI models, has reportedly led Meta to study and possibly integrate similar innovations into its own Llama AI models.