Meta has introduced new task automation features for Meta AI, allowing the assistant to connect with email and calendar services, prepare daily briefings, perform research and help complete ongoing tasks. The features are powered by Meta’s new Muse Spark 1.1 model and are initially being rolled out in selected markets.
The announcement marks another step towards AI assistants that can carry out tasks on a user’s behalf, rather than simply responding to questions. As these assistants gain access to more personal information and connected services, organisations will need to pay closer attention to permissions, privacy and oversight.
Key facts
- Meta AI can connect to Gmail and Google Calendar.
- It can prepare updates using information from connected accounts.
- The features are supported by Meta’s updated Muse Spark model.
- Users will need to grant the assistant permission to access external services.
- Meta is beginning to add agent-like capabilities that can plan, use connected apps and carry out recurring tasks on a user’s behalf.
Our take
Connecting AI assistants to email and calendars can make them far more useful. They could summarise upcoming commitments, identify messages requiring attention and bring information together without the user searching through several applications.
The trade-off is access. Before connecting an assistant, users and organisations should understand what information it can read, whether that information is retained, and what actions it can perform. Access should be limited to what the assistant genuinely needs.
Sources
Meta: “Meta AI Doesn’t Just Think, It Acts”
Reuters: Meta adds new task automation features to AI assistant
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