Meta has unveiled a small handheld device called Charm that lets users tap into its Muse AI assistant. According to Reuters, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the product at Meta Connect in Menlo Park on September 23. The device is an extension of Meta’s hardware strategy beyond its smart glasses business today.
Meta says that Charm is roughly the size of an Apple AirPods charging case. It features a two-inch touchscreen and supports 5G connectivity. The company said it will ship the device during the December holiday season, but it has not said how much it will cost. Zuckerberg described Charm as suitable for conversations.
Zuckerberg said Meta can “pack the whole Muse experience” into Charm, which has avatar and real-time voice features. The company is positioning the gadget as a convenient way to interact with Muse without opening a smartphone application. Reuters reported that the device integrates Meta’s AI assistant into daily life.
Meta’s announcement comes as part of a broader technology race to develop hardware that could change how people interact with digital services. Companies are investing big in smart glasses, wearables, and other AI-focused products, according to Reuters. But it’s unclear what hardware format, if any, will catch on with consumers.
Meta is also expanding Muse across its smart-glasses lineup. According to the company, the assistant will become the main interface for the glasses, letting users shop, make appointments, and complete tasks by using voice commands. Meta has announced integrations with retailers and services, including Walmart, Best Buy, and Gap, taking Muse beyond assistance.
Privacy is still an issue as AI hardware gets better at sensing and reacting to its environment. Reuters reported that devices able to capture or process audio and visual information are a concern. Meta has revealed new models of camera-free smart glasses, saying “audio has been our most popular feature” since its glasses initiative began.
Charm is part of Meta’s drive to create AI-centric hardware beyond smartphones. The company is pairing Muse with handheld devices, smart glasses, and other emerging platforms. According to the goal, it is to make AI more accessible in everyday situations, while market demand will determine whether Charm becomes a category.
