Meta launches an 'evil Tamagotchi': Muse Charm gadget lets you use AI without your phone or computer

Meta has launched a new gadget – and fans are comparing it to an 'evil Tamagotchi'. The futuristic device, called Muse Charm, was announced by Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, at the end of the Meta Connect event last night. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the device lets you use Meta's Muse AI without your phone or computer. '[It] fits on a keychain, and is always available to talk to,' Mr Zuckerberg explained at the event.'You just go ahead and tap here on the fingerprint sensor in the corner and you can start talking without having to unlock a phone or open an app.'While details on the device remain sparse at this stage, several fans are already comparing it to a Tamagotchi. 'Literally what is the point of this? nobody is going to be in a situation without a phone or computer and be like "wow thank God i had my surveillance state tamagotchi with me",' one user tweeted. Another added: 'Evil tamagotchi is genuinely the best description of this thing i've seen.' Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the device lets you use Meta's Muse AI without your phone or computer The futuristic device, called Muse Charm, was announced by Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, at the end of the Meta Connect event last nightThe Meta Connect event largely focused on Muse, Meta's 'personal AI agent'. Mr Zuckerberg initially announced that Muse would be available on Meta's AI glasses.'From your glasses, you can ask Muse to guide your personalized workout, log meals, get nutrition insights on demand, and even help buy products you see,' Meta explained. 'Ask Muse to book an appointment, get prices on a flight, or track down that missing part while you're driving, cooking, or mid-run, all without pulling out your phone. 'You can also activate Muse by saying its name and telling it your request. Muse will work in the background and check back when it's done.'However, right at the end of the event, Mr Zuckerberg announced that Muse would also be available on the brand-new Muse Charm device. 'We've packed a lot of technology into this little guy,' he said, holding it up to the audience. 'So, if you're not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way to talk to your Muse and to show it what's going on around you.'Based on the limited photos and videos released by Meta, we know the device features a small screen, where your chosen Muse avatar will be displayed. There's also a small fingerprint sensor in the corner that you can press to summon the AI. 'We've actually only built a few of these so far, and it's been absolutely joyful to play with,' Mr Zuckerberg said. 'We still need to finalise the finishing materials, and we do also need to finalise laying out the components. Right at the end of the event, Zuckerberg announced that Muse would also be available on the brand-new Muse Charm device'But, we are planning to have this ready to ship in time for the holidays, so in December. I think that people are going to love this.'Across social media, the response to the device has been mixed – with many applauding Meta's innovation. 'Smartest use of AI yet,' one fan said on X, while another asked: 'Is this what disrupts Apple??'Meanwhile, one joked: 'When I was a kid I was addicted to tamagotchis. Now that I'm an adult I will likely be addicted to this Muse Charm.' However, others are less convinced. One sceptic said: 'Who is going to use this over a Phone? Or a Apple Watch? I really do not understand the target demographic, maybe besides some middle school students who think they're cool with the latest tech. This is a joke software bundled in useless e-waste.'Another wrote: 'Shaking my head. we've officially reached the stage where even your phone is no longer needed to have an AI assistant. At this rate, AI go soon start following us around physically.'And one ominously tweeted: 'This is black mirror.' The Daily Mail has contacted Meta for information on pricing.