Meta says Muse runs on a cloud virtual computer and can act inside Gmail, Amazon, and other linked accounts.

Meta launched Muse, its first AI productivity assistant, which runs tasks on a cloud-based virtual computer rather than inside a single app. The agent connects to outside accounts so it can manage email, shop, plan trips, and generate images, videos, podcasts, and documents called artifacts.

Meta has long prioritized entertainment and advertising over workplace software, so Muse marks a shift in strategy. The Verge tested the assistant and found it handled bulk inbox cleanup and a clothing purchase, while an aggressive read of the tester’s Instagram-linked interests overshadowed the results.

For builders, Muse shows that account-linking agents must handle OAuth flows reliably across mobile and desktop, since sign-in glitches blocked setup in testing. Teams shipping similar tools should also expect scrutiny over how much personal context an agent surfaces without an explicit request, because that behavior drives user trust more than raw task completion.

Meta says Muse only exchanges data with third-party apps when needed for a task and does not share user information with advertisers. Users should watch for clearer controls over which accounts an agent can read, plus limits on content generation, since Muse refused requests for familiar cartoon characters while producing images of Apple-branded devices.

What matters

• Meta released Muse, an agent that logs into Gmail, Amazon, and other accounts to complete tasks.
• Agents with account access need scoped permissions, audit logs, and clear data-sharing terms.
• Watch whether Meta publishes data-retention details and lets users revoke Muse account access fast.

Why it matters

Watch whether Meta publishes data-retention details and lets users revoke Muse account access fast.

This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by The Verge. Source reference: https://www.theverge.com/tech/993391/meta-muse-ai-hands-on.

Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.