Meta Launches Standalone AI App to Compete with ChatGPT

After integrating Meta AI into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, Meta has now launched a standalone AI application. This app was unveiled at Meta's LlamaCon event, allowing users to access Meta AI within a dedicated app, much like the ChatGPT app and other AI assistant tools.

To attract users, Meta is leveraging its distinct advantage over companies like OpenAI and Anthropic—Meta already knows who you are, your preferences, and your social circle based on years of data shared by users on Facebook or Instagram.

What sets Meta's AI app apart from existing AI assistants is its ability to "utilize the information you've chosen to share on Meta products," the company stated, such as your profile and the content you interact with. Currently, these personalized responses will be available in the United States and Canada.

You can also provide Meta with more details about yourself so that its AI remembers them in future conversations. For example, you could inform the AI that you're lactose intolerant, ensuring it remembers this when recommending wine and cheese tastings next time.

As with any AI product, users should be mindful of how Meta might use the data they share with the chatbot. Meta relies heavily on its vast user data to power its targeted advertising business, which constitutes the majority of its revenue.

The Meta AI app also introduces a new feature called Discovery Feed, where you can share how you use AI with friends. In one illustrated example, Meta demonstrated someone asking the AI to describe them using three emojis, which they then shared with friends. Interactions with Meta AI will only appear in the feed if users choose to share them.

This Discovery Feed may amplify certain generative AI trends, such as the recent attempts by users to transform themselves into Barbie-like characters or figures inspired by Studio Ghibli animations. But then again, not every app needs a social feed—looking at you, Venmo.