AI-powered wearable devices have become something of a running joke in the tech world. Products such as Friend have made some consumers skeptical about the idea of carrying an AI companion around with them.

Meta, however, is willing to give the concept another shot.

The company has unveiled Muse Charm, a small AI-powered wearable designed to keep users connected to Meta’s recently introduced personal AI assistant, Muse.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the device during the company’s annual Connect event, saving it for a surprise “one more thing” reveal. The gadget is not quite ready for consumers yet. Zuckerberg said the company is still finalizing the internal component layout but expects Muse Charm to begin shipping in time for the December holiday season, according to Tech Crunch.

At first glance, the device looks more like a tiny digital companion than a conventional piece of technology. The palm-sized gadget can be carried in a pocket or attached to a keychain. A small built-in display shows a cute digital character called Jolly, which serves as the visual identity of the Muse AI assistant.

Users can interact with Muse by simply talking to the device. A fingerprint sensor on the corner allows them to activate the assistant without unlocking a smartphone or opening an app.

During his keynote, Zuckerberg described it as a way to put the entire Muse experience – including real-time voice interaction and its animated avatar – into a device small enough to hang from a keychain.

Related Meta Unveils High-End VR Glasses

The company believes the wearable could be particularly useful when users aren't wearing Meta's smart glasses. Instead of reaching for a phone, they can simply tap the device and start speaking to Muse. The assistant can also potentially respond to information about the user's surroundings and perform tasks on their behalf.

The design gives Muse Charm a distinctly Tamagotchi-like personality. Rather than feeling like another piece of serious-looking hardware, it resembles a small digital pet that happens to be powered by artificial intelligence.

That playful approach may also be strategic for Meta. Instead of betting heavily on another standalone AI gadget, the company can use Muse Charm as a relatively low-risk experiment in the growing AI wearable market.

More importantly, the device gives Meta another physical gateway to its AI assistant. If users become comfortable carrying Muse Charm everywhere, Meta could gain a new and more personal way to keep people interacting with its AI services throughout the day.

Whether consumers will embrace another always-available AI companion remains to be seen. But with Muse Charm, Meta appears determined to prove that AI wearables don't have to look like futuristic gadgets – they can be as simple, playful, and addictive as a tiny digital pet.