Meta AI App Debuts as Standalone Assistant with Voice Features

San Francisco, CA - Meta Platforms Inc. released a standalone application for its artificial intelligence assistant on Tuesday, the first time the technology has been available outside the company's social media platforms.

Meta said in a statement that the Meta AI app is now available on iOS and Android devices.

Voice interaction features are currently available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The company stated that it is testing "full-duplex speech technology," which generates voice responses without first creating written text.

According to the statement, the app will replace the Meta View app previously used with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. 

Users can start conversations on their glasses and continue them in the app or web platforms, but cannot transfer conversations from the app or web back to the glasses.

The app features what Meta refers to as a "Discover feed" for viewing and sharing AI prompts. 

The company said content appears in this feed only when users choose to post it.

Meta also announced updates to its web interface, including voice interaction capabilities and modifications to image generation tools. 

The company stated that it is testing a document editor in select markets, with the ability to import documents.

The AI uses information users have previously shared on Meta platforms to generate personalized responses. 

This feature is currently available only in the United States and Canada.

According to the company, Meta AI was previously accessible through WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.