Topline
Meta’s stock rose more than 5% on Wednesday as investors reacted positively to the launch of its new personal AI agent, Muse, which is designed to handle practical tasks like sending emails, booking travel, and making purchases.
A photograph taken during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 18, 2024, shows the logo of Meta, the US company that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
Meta shares climbed over 5% on Wednesday, trading at $646.65, up 5.41%, at 10:15 a.m. EDT after the company unveiled Muse, a personal AI agent designed to go beyond answering questions and actively complete tasks like booking travel, sending emails, and making purchases.
Zuckerberg has previously explained to investors that Meta’s heavy investment in data centers and infrastructure is driven by the evolution of AI models toward advanced digital assistants, which represent the company’s next major wave of products and revenue.
Meta delayed the launch of Muse in April due to safety and reliability concerns, after internal testing revealed issues including sensitive-data exposure and inconsistent performance.
Muse will initially be available in the U.S. via a dedicated app or Meta’s WhatsApp service, with plans to integrate the personal agent into its smart glasses in the near future.
Meta plans to offer Muse as a free service, alongside $20 and $100 monthly subscription options for users requiring heavier usage.
Zuckerberg also announced on Tuesday night that Threads has reached 500 million monthly active users, positioning the platform as a major competitor to Elon Musk’s X and highlighting the potential of Meta’s newer products.
KEY BACKGROUND
The launch follows Meta’s agreement to pay up to $18 billion in a settlement with a group of state attorneys general who alleged the company misrepresented the level of harm caused by apps like Facebook and Instagram. The company remains entangled in other personal injury and school district lawsuits over similar allegations. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the safety of Muse, especially as Meta’s major technical and security incidents increased by 40% from the previous year due to agent-related issues and an AI-driven coding surge.
BIG NUMBER
Up to $145 billion. This is how much Meta expects to spend on capital expenditures for AI infrastructure in 2026.
FURTHER READING
Meta Agrees To $18 Billion Settlement In Social Media Addiction Trial (Forbes)
