Meta has upgraded its Muse AI assistant with a real‑time voice and video chat mode, allowing users to talk to their AI avatar just like a live conversation. The new feature, available now in the United States on the Muse app for mobile, web and Mac, offers hundreds of voice styles and syncs the avatar’s facial expressions and lip movements to the spoken words.
Key takeaways
- Real‑time voice and video chat now live in the Muse app (US only).
- Hundreds of selectable voice styles; avatar expressions match speech.
- Available on mobile, web and Mac; AI glasses and Muse Charm coming soon.
- Users can choose voice‑only, avatar‑plus‑chat, or full‑screen avatar modes.
How the voice chat works
To start a conversation, tap the phone icon in the top‑right corner of the Muse chat screen. The app then uses Meta’s Muse Realtime Voice and Muse Realtime Avatar technologies to stream audio and animate the avatar in sync. Users can interrupt the AI at any time, and the avatar reacts as it listens.
Choosing a voice and avatar style
Within the app’s settings, a gallery of several hundred voice styles is available. Selecting a voice changes the tone and personality of the AI’s speech. The avatar itself can be customized – from a cute animal to a human‑like figure – and users can switch between three display modes:
- Voice‑only: Audio chat without any visual avatar.
- Avatar alongside chat: Small avatar window next to the text interface.
- Full‑screen avatar: Immersive “face‑to‑face” experience.
Device and platform support
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| iOS/Android mobile | US users, rolled out |
| Web (browser) | US users, rolled out |
| Mac desktop app | US users, rolled out |
| Meta AI Glasses | Coming soon |
| Muse Charm hardware | Coming soon |
What this means for you
If you already use Muse for text‑based assistance, you can now switch to a spoken interaction without leaving the app. This is useful for hands‑free scenarios such as cooking, driving (while obeying local laws), or multitasking. To try it, ensure your Muse app is updated to the latest version, open a conversation, and tap the phone icon. Experiment with different voice styles to find one that feels natural.
Potential use cases
- Hands‑free productivity: Ask Muse to draft emails, set reminders, or search the web while you focus on other tasks.
- Creative brainstorming: Talk through ideas and watch the avatar respond with visual cues that can spark inspiration.
- Accessibility: Voice‑only mode offers a screen‑free way for users with visual impairments to interact with AI.
What happens next
Meta has indicated that the voice and video chat capability will expand to its upcoming AI glasses and the Muse Charm wearable later this year. As the technology matures, we can expect further improvements in voice naturalness, avatar realism, and integration with other Meta services such as Instagram Stories and TikTok‑style video creation.
How to stay updated
Keep an eye on Meta’s official blog and the Muse app’s release notes for announcements about new voice packs, avatar skins, and the rollout to additional regions. Users outside the United States will need to wait for broader availability, which Meta has not yet dated.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a voice chat with Muse?
Open the Muse app, tap the phone icon in the top‑right of the conversation screen, and speak; you can also choose video chat from the same menu.
Can I use Muse voice chat without the avatar?
Yes, select the voice‑only mode in the settings to hide the avatar while keeping the audio conversation.
Is Muse voice chat available worldwide?
Currently it is limited to users in the United States; Meta plans to expand to other regions later.
Will the voice chat work on Meta’s AI glasses?
Meta has said the feature will arrive on its AI glasses in the future, but no exact date is provided yet.
Can I change the AI’s voice?
Yes, the app offers several hundred voice styles that you can pick from the avatar settings.
