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Meta Debuts Stand-Alone AI Assistant App To Rival ChatGPT

The dedicated AI assistant app taps into user data from its platforms to offer more personalized responses than ChatGPT or Claude.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

Nour Nasir

Meta

Meta is entering the AI assistant race with a stand-alone app that puts its generative AI tool — Meta AI — directly in users’ hands, independent of WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, or Messenger. The app was officially unveiled at the company’s recent LlamaCon event and is clearly positioned as a direct competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude.

What sets Meta’s AI app apart? The tech giant is banking on its existing ecosystem. Unlike newer players in the space, Meta already has years of user data across its platforms—from what you like to who you interact with. The company says this contextual advantage allows the AI to deliver more relevant, personalized responses by “drawing on information you’ve already chosen to share on Meta products”.

For now, this deeper personalization is only available in the U.S. and Canada, but it offers a preview of how AI assistants might evolve. Users can even feed the app additional personal details — like dietary restrictions or travel preferences — which Meta AI can then remember to tailor future suggestions. This could mean fewer mismatched recommendations and more practical support in day-to-day interactions.

However, the rollout also raises the usual data privacy concerns. Meta has built its empire on targeted advertising, and its AI product is no exception. The assistant’s effectiveness hinges on how much data users allow it to access — and how Meta uses that data behind the scenes remains a crucial question.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The app also includes a social twist. A new “Discover” feed lets users share how they’re interacting with the AI. In one example, someone asks the AI to describe them in emojis and then shares the result with friends. Sharing is optional, but the feed could amplify AI trends, from emoji summaries to stylized avatar transformations, echoing viral moments like the Barbie or Ghibli filters.

Still, not every feature may resonate. Meta’s decision to layer social sharing onto an AI assistant might feel unnecessary to some, especially as the market matures and users begin to seek more utility than novelty.

Whether the app becomes a serious rival to ChatGPT or just another experiment remains to be seen — but it’s clear Meta is determined to shape the future of personal AI with its own data-rich approach.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Meta

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UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

Also Read: UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers

Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.