Earlier this week, Meta launched its new Business Agent AI service for companies that routinely use the company’s platforms for work. The rollout promises an agent that “handles customer conversations 24/7 in your brand voice,” which sounds suspiciously like this little thing called a ‘chatbot’.
The Meta Business Agent is supposedly more advanced and also provides “insights to help grow your business” (previously known as a ‘dashboard’). Following a trial program for companies in India, the function is rolling out to the rest of the world — provided you’re able to get to the head of the queue.
It’s just Business Agent
There’s a waitlist to use the company’s latest AI assistant. If your CFO is breathing down your neck, signing up there will give you a little breathing room. Once your company is on the approved list, Meta promises quick setup and “instant, personalised replies” to customer queries.
Which, again, all reads like a somewhat more well-programmed chatbot. Engadget says that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitions go a little further. Zuckerberg reckons that his company’s agents will “eventually help you run your whole business.” It’s a serious claim, and one that doesn’t seem to be entirely (or even remotely) possible right now.
But this is the company that’s looking to create the Zuckerbot and is training its AI on its own staff’s work. The ambition is kind of built in, even if the capability is uncertain. After all, the metaverse was supposed to be the big deal just a few short years ago. If an LLM can’t take over your entire company, Meta (and friends) will just pivot elsewhere. Well, the survivors of the bubble explosion will.
