Meta’s new Muse AI assistant is designed to shop online using your credit card. The tool, available on iOS, Android, Mac, and the web, is one of the first to support Link by Stripe, a digital wallet accepted by thousands of online merchants. For retailers that don’t accept Stripe, Muse can create a single-use virtual card for specific purchases, ensuring secure transactions without accessing your payment details.
While Muse requires explicit approval for transactions, it operates independently in a cloud-based environment, searching multiple websites for deals. This capability was demonstrated when a writer tested it by looking for theater tickets in Manhattan, including for Verdi’s Macbeth at the Met Opera and The Holes, an Off-Broadway play. Muse handled ticketing websites, found available seats, and prepared them for checkout with minimal input, showcasing its efficiency.
How Muse Works as a Shopping Assistant
Muse’s cloud-based operation allows it to scour multiple websites for deals. When tasked with finding tickets for Verdi’s Macbeth at the Met Opera, Muse not only searched the web but also worked through the official Met Opera website, locating a $71 seat (including a $10 service charge) for a weekday evening performance. It even logged into the site using securely stored credentials and prepared the ticket for checkout, awaiting final approval.
For The Holes, an Off-Broadway play, Muse meticulously checked each performance on the production website, identifying a $92.41 ticket as the best available option. Similarly, when asked about Hamilton tickets, Muse spent several minutes searching across sites before finding a $222 rear-mezzanine seat for a Saturday matinee. While the writer didn’t purchase these tickets, Muse could have completed the transaction with a simple command.
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Muse’s shopping capabilities are subject to usage limits, with the free plan currently offering generous token allowances. However, Meta may adjust these limits in the future. Users can increase their token limits through $20 or $100 monthly subscriptions, providing flexibility based on usage needs.
Muse’s effectiveness depends on user trust in Meta’s handling of financial data. While it cannot access payment details like credit card numbers, its secure credential storage and transaction approval process aim to build user confidence.
Muse’s Potential and Limitations
While Muse can create single-use virtual cards for purchases, it cannot view payment details, ensuring a level of security for users. This design choice prioritizes user privacy but also restricts its functionality in certain scenarios.
The Future of AI Shopping Assistants
As AI shopping assistants like Muse become more prevalent, they may transform online shopping habits. The convenience of having an AI agent search for deals and make purchases could increase competition for limited items, such as tickets or exclusive products. This shift may force retailers to adapt to new consumer behaviors and expectations.
