Meta unveils Charm handheld device for Muse AI assistant
Meta has introduced the Charm handheld device, designed for its Muse AI assistant, at its Meta Connect event. The device features a 2-inch touchscreen and 5G connectivity, signaling a push beyond smartphones.
Meta unveiled its new Charm handheld device at its Meta Connect event on September 23 in Menlo Park, California. The device is intended for Meta's Muse AI assistant and represents a move to develop hardware beyond smartphones.
The Charm features a roughly 2-inch touchscreen and built-in 5G connectivity. Meta stated that Charm will ship during the holiday season in December but did not disclose pricing. The Muse AI assistant is also set to expand across Meta's smart glasses, enabling users to shop and make appointments via voice commands.
The announcement came alongside the reveal of new virtual reality glasses, priced at $1,299 with a planned spring 2027 launch. Meta also launched its camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses, starting at $349 and available from October 13.
The move into dedicated AI hardware occurs amid a competitive landscape. Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica reported that sales of Meta AI glasses have tripled. OpenAI's partnership with Jony Ive also indicates growing competition in post-smartphone AI devices.
However, privacy concerns are being raised by analysts regarding audio-only devices like the new smart glasses. The potential for recording audio without a clear indication to bystanders is a point of scrutiny.