AI·News & analysis
Meta's Muse agent gets a Tamagotchi-like device, video avatars and Mac control
At Connect 2026, Meta showed Muse Charm, a pocket device for its AI agent, and gave Muse its own email, real-time avatars and the ability to use Mac apps.
The 30-second version
The details
- Muse Charm is a pocket-sized device built just for Meta's Muse AI agent. Reports say it has a small screen and is sized to hang like a keychain.
- Meta hasn't announced a price. TechCrunch reports a December 2026 release; Meta says details will come later this year.
- Muse is also getting real-time video avatars, its own email address, control of Mac apps and support on Meta's AI glasses.
- Muse hit No. 1 on Apple's US App Store on September 18, ten days after launch.
Why it matters
Meta is betting that AI agents need their own hardware and identities, not just an app. Giving Muse an email address and a device you carry makes it act more like a personal assistant, and tests whether people want an AI companion outside their phone.
The full story
Meta wants its AI agent to live outside your phone. At its Connect 2026 event on Wednesday, Meta announced Muse Charm, a pocket-sized device built for its Muse agent, along with a batch of new Muse features.
The Charm
Meta calls Muse Charm the first device made specifically for Muse and says it runs a real-time voice model. According to TechCrunch, you tap a fingerprint sensor to start talking, an avatar appears on its small screen, and it's sized to hang from a keychain. The Decoder reports a roughly 2-inch display and 5G. The comparisons to a Tamagotchi were immediate.
Meta hasn't announced a price. TechCrunch reports a December release, while Meta says only that it will share more later this year. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth described the device as an exploration.
What's new in Muse
- Video avatars: real-time video chat with a custom avatar.
- Its own email address: send Muse tasks or messages by email.
- Mac control: with permission, Muse can use apps on a Mac and keep working after you leave.
- AI glasses: Muse is coming to Meta's glasses in the coming months, able to act on what you're looking at.
- Shopping and work connectors: including Walmart, Best Buy, PayPal, Notion and GitHub.
Fast start
Meta launched Muse on September 8. It reached No. 1 on Apple's US App Store on September 18, and Sensor Tower estimated more than 730,000 US downloads in its first 10 days. Meta says Muse is free for most uses and plans to make money over time from small transaction fees.
What's next
The Charm is a test of whether people want dedicated hardware for an AI agent. Watch for pricing and reviews closer to its release. More: Meta news.
Key facts
- Announced
- September 23, 2026, at Meta Connect
- Muse Charm price
- Not announced
- Expected release
- December 2026 (TechCrunch)
- Muse launched
- September 8, 2026
- New Muse features
- Video avatars, own email, Mac app control, AI glasses
Quick questions
What is Meta Muse?
Muse is Meta's personal AI agent, launched on September 8, 2026. It carries out tasks like sending emails and booking travel instead of only answering questions.
How much is the Muse Charm?
Meta hasn't announced a price. Its product page only lets people sign up to be notified.
When is the Muse Charm coming out?
TechCrunch reports a December 2026 release. Meta itself says it will share more later this year.
Is Meta Muse free?
Meta says Muse is free for most uses, with paid subscriptions for heavier use.
What can Muse do on a Mac?
With your permission, Muse can operate apps on a Mac and keep working on a task after you step away.
Source: Meta
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