Meta AI Set to Launch as a Standalone App, Challenging ChatGPT

Meta is reportedly developing a standalone application for its AI-powered chatbot, Meta AI.

Since its initial introduction in 2023, Meta AI has been integrated into various social media platforms owned by Meta, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Now, the company plans to launch a separate application for Meta AI, similar to other AI chatbot services like ChatGPT and Gemini.

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Meta AI to Launch as a Standalone App

According to a CNBC report, a source familiar with the plan revealed that the application is scheduled for release in the second quarter of this year. This move is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's broader strategy to position Meta as a leader in the artificial intelligence industry.

Meta AI was first introduced in September 2023 as a generative AI-powered digital assistant capable of answering questions and generating images based on user requests within Meta’s apps. In April, Meta AI was further prioritized by replacing the search feature on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger with this AI chatbot.

For Zuckerberg, Meta AI is a key way to introduce the company’s generative AI technology to billions of users worldwide. In January, he stated that this year would mark an era where advanced and personalized AI assistants reach more than one billion people, with hopes that Meta AI will take the lead in the industry.

A source familiar with Meta's plans mentioned that while users across Meta’s platforms can already access Meta AI, their interaction experience could be more immersive if the chatbot were available as a standalone app.

Also read: Several Ways To Use Meta AI Features on WhatsApp

Meta Invests Heavily to Lead the AI Industry

According to a report by The Verge, Meta has intensified its efforts to compete in the AI industry in recent months. Zuckerberg even announced plans for a massive investment of up to $65 billion to accelerate the company’s AI development. Additionally, Meta plans to host a special AI event on April 29.

Currently, Meta AI has around 700 million monthly active users, up from 600 million in December. However, analysts argue that comparing Meta AI to ChatGPT and other competitors is challenging since it is not yet available as a standalone application.

David Curry, a data editor at Business of Apps, revealed that the Meta AI website receives fewer than 10 million visits per month. This number is still significantly lower than leading AI services like ChatGPT and Gemini, and even lags behind some mid-tier competitors such as Anthropic.

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