Meta to launch generative AI assistant in European Union - Latest News
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta announced on Thursday the launch of its generative artificial intelligence assistant, Meta AI, in the European Union this week. This comes more than a year after the AI assistant was first released in the U.S.
Expanding into Europe
The company expressed its satisfaction with reaching this milestone, stating, "It's taken longer than we would have liked to get our AI technology into the hands of people in Europe as we continue to navigate its complex regulatory system - but we're glad we're finally here." Meta AI will be introduced across 41 European countries starting this week.
Features of Meta AI
Meta AI, which was initially unveiled in the U.S. in September 2023 and later integrated into all group applications in April 2024, will function slightly differently in the EU. Unlike in the U.S. where image generation is available, the generative AI tool in the EU will provide text-only responses to users' queries. Additionally, Meta AI can leverage web search results to provide answers, making interactions more informative and engaging.
Enhancing User Experience
The company emphasized that integrating the AI assistant into conversations can offer users the opportunity to delve deeper into topics of interest, seek guidance on 'how-to' tasks, or solve problems such as planning a trip.
AI Investment and User Base
AI remains a key focus for Meta, with the group planning a substantial investment of $60-65 billion this year. A significant portion of this investment will be allocated to data centres, servers, and network infrastructure essential for AI model development. Meta currently boasts around 700 million monthly active users for its AI assistant, a number that falls short of the one billion users Mark Zuckerberg envisioned as necessary for a sustained competitive advantage.
Recent Developments
Russian and U.S. officials are scheduled to engage in talks regarding Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by President Vladimir Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov. Meanwhile, the EU announced a delay in the implementation of tariffs targeting American goods, intended as a response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium, to allow for further dialogue.
On the sporting front, Jack Butland played a pivotal role as Rangers triumphed in a penalty shoot-out against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, securing a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals on the night of March 13.
