Meta to launch AI shopping assistant Muse in UK within weeks
By Google News Category Shopping ·
Meta is preparing to launch its AI-powered personal assistant Muse in the UK ‘within weeks’.
The company is reportedly lining up partnerships with retailers that would allow British shoppers to use the AI agent to find and purchase products directly from their websites.
Senior Meta executives are expected to attend the UK launch, although an official date has yet to be confirmed.
Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Muse can carry out tasks on behalf of users, including researching products, completing purchases, booking transport, paying bills and managing emails.
The assistant launched in the US and Canada in September and has since expanded into markets including Japan, Singapore and Mexico.
It has already attracted more than 11 million users, with shopping emerging as its most popular function. Around a quarter of North American users have reportedly used the service to make purchases.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has described Muse as one of the company’s most successful product launches, with ambitions to eventually reach billions of users.
The assistant will be free for most consumers, with subscription options available for heavier users. Meta also plans to generate revenue through fees on transactions carried out by the platform.
The development in accessible agentic shopping could mark a significant shift for UK retailers as AI agents increasingly influence which products consumers discover, and where they ultimately spend their money.
Meta has already announced partnerships with major US retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, Gap and Sephora.
However, the tech has also sparked tensions with retailers. Amazon blocked Muse from shopping on its website in September, citing concerns around unauthorised access and customer security.
The planned UK launch is landing at a time when regulators are examining the potential risks posed by autonomous AI assistants, particularly around consumer privacy, data protection and accountability.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched a call for evidence into agentic AI, including how businesses should manage personal information when the technology acts independently on consumers’ behalf.
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Meta is preparing to launch its AI-powered personal assistant Muse in the UK ‘within weeks’.
The company is reportedly lining up partnerships with retailers that would allow British shoppers to use the AI agent to find and purchase products directly from their websites.
Senior Meta executives are expected to attend the UK launch, although an official date has yet to be confirmed.
Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Muse can carry out tasks on behalf of users, including researching products, completing purchases, booking transport, paying bills and managing emails.
The assistant launched in the US and Canada in September and has since expanded into markets including Japan, Singapore and Mexico.
It has already attracted more than 11 million users, with shopping emerging as its most popular function. Around a quarter of North American users have reportedly used the service to make purchases.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has described Muse as one of the company’s most successful product launches, with ambitions to eventually reach billions of users.
The assistant will be free for most consumers, with subscription options available for heavier users. Meta also plans to generate revenue through fees on transactions carried out by…
Originally published by Google News Category Shopping
