Meta introduced its second new app in less than two weeks on Tuesday, as it continues to fight for its future in court amid accusations that it sought to unfairly eliminate competition.
The social media giant introduced the Meta AI App, built with the company’s Llama 4 artificial intelligence model.
“People around the world use Meta AI daily across WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Messenger, and now, people can choose to experience a personal AI designed around voice conversations with Meta AI inside a standalone app,” the Californian technology company said in a statement.
The app, available on iOS and Android, includes a much-touted discovery feed, which Meta describes as a “place to share and explore how others are using AI”.
For users in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, it also offers what Meta describes as “full duplex speech technology”, which it says has significantly more natural voice experience “trained on conversational tongue”. It is not yet clear if or when Meta plans on opening access to the feature for users in other countries.
“Meta AI is built to get to know you, so its answers are more helpful,” the press release continued.
It said the app would inevitably be compared to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which was launched in 2022 and fuelled a rapid investment in artificial intelligence research around the world.
The release of Meta AI App comes several weeks after media reports quoted OpenAI employees as saying their company was working on its own social network that would be fuelled by its AI offerings.
Last week, Meta also released a video app called Edits, which the company said is designed to make it easier for content creators to edit mobile videos for distribution on social media platforms.
Edits is expected to compete in the same space as Captions, CapCut and other apps used by social media creators.
Meanwhile, Meta is fighting to protect itself against accusations from the US Federal Trade Commission that it engaged in anti-competitive behaviour to squash competition and hurt consumers.
Meta’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was among the first in a long list to be called to the witness box in the Washington court as the legal battle between the company and regulators continues.
If Meta is found to have illegally stifled competition, the judge presiding over the closely watched case could force it to divest Instagram and WhatsApp from its portfolio of platforms.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
