Meta, the owner of Instagram, has announced some exciting new updates to its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, including the addition of famous voices like Dame Judi Dench and John Cena. Users will also have the option to interact with AI versions of Awkwafina, Keegan Michael Key, and Kristen Bell.
During Meta’s annual Connect conference, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed these new features, along with the unveiling of the company’s first working prototype of augmented-reality (AR) glasses called Orion. Mr. Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of voice interaction with AI, stating, “I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text.”
In addition to the celebrity voices, the updated chatbot will now be able to recognize objects in photos and provide information about them. Users can also edit photos simply by telling the Meta AI what changes they want. The company reported that over 400 million people are now using Meta AI every month, with 185 million returning weekly.
The Orion glasses, described by Mr. Zuckerberg as “the craziest technology,” will allow users to interact through hand-tracking, voice commands, and a wrist-based interface. Meta also announced a new entry-level version of its Quest line of mixed-reality headsets, with prices starting at $300.
Meta has been investing heavily in AI, AR, and metaverse technologies, with plans to spend up to $40 billion on new projects this year. The company’s shares reached a record high of $568.31 before the event, reflecting a more than 60% increase in stock market value since the beginning of the year. With these innovative updates and advancements, Meta continues to push the boundaries of technology and redefine the future of social media and virtual reality.
