Meta and OpenAI Race to Bring AI Tamagotchis to Life

Over the next year, two big names in artificial intelligence, Meta and OpenAI, are trying something new: bringing AI agents to dedicated physical devices. These aren’t just apps on your phone or computer but small gadgets designed to keep your AI assistant close by, much like the digital pets called Tamagotchis from the 90s.

Meta introduced Muse Charm at its Connect event in September 2026. It’s a pocket-sized device shaped like a tiny screen you can carry or wear on a strap. Muse Charm lets you interact with Meta’s personal AI agent, Muse, using voice and visuals. The device connects via 5G and Wi-Fi, meaning it can work independently without always needing a phone nearby. Meta plans to start selling Muse Charm by December 2026, though the price isn’t public yet.

Muse itself is more than a chatbot. It runs on a secure virtual computer in the cloud, keeping your data safe and private. It can handle tasks like booking travel, managing emails, or even making purchases, but it always asks for your permission before doing anything sensitive. Meta has designed it with strong safety measures to prevent mistakes or misuse, though some challenges remain as the technology is still new.

OpenAI, meanwhile, unveiled its own AI agents called Dots at its DevDay event in late September 2026. These colourful, blob-like characters are meant to be proactive helpers that can manage ongoing tasks for you. While OpenAI hasn’t shown a physical Dots device yet, CEO Sam Altman hinted it’s reasonable to expect one in the future. The company is working with well-known designer Jony Ive on a hardware project set to release no earlier than February 2027.

Both companies are taking a cautious approach. They’re rolling out AI agents as software first to build interest and trust before pushing physical gadgets. The hope is that once people see how useful and even charming these AI helpers can be, they’ll want a dedicated device to carry them around.

It’s a tricky path. Past attempts at AI hardware have often disappointed or faced criticism. Still, Meta and OpenAI are betting that their friendly, helpful AI agents combined with thoughtful design and safety can make these new AI Tamagotchis a part of everyday life.