Meta AI to launch paid subscription of chatbot: Report

Meta also plans to launch their AI virtual assistant as a stand-alone app like their other products Facebook and Instagram.

Published on: Feb 28, 2025, 06:37:40 IST

By HT News Desk

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Meta Platforms plans to start a trial paid subscription service for Meta AI, which will provide users with access to advanced versions of their chatbot, reported Reuters citing unnamed sources.

Meta Platforms plans to start a trial paid subscription service for Meta AI (REUTERS)

The test subscription will begin in the second half of 2025 and is expected to rake in revenue in 2026 by the earliest estimate, sources told Reuters. Meta has not issued any official statement regarding these plans or responded to reports on it.

Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg's Meta in talks for new $200 billion artificial intelligence data centre: Report

Meta AI, which marked the company's foray into virtual assistants, was launched in September 2023, to stake claim to the AI space with rivals Google and Microsoft-backed OpenAI.

Early this year, new disruptors such as China's DeepSeek AI have also emerged in the competitive space.

Also Read: Meta apologises after Instagram error floods users with violent, graphic reels

CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated in January this year that the company plans to spend close to $65 billion to expand its AI infrastructure.

Earlier this month, Meta formed a new division under its Reality Labs unit to research and develop AI-powered humanoid robots that can help with physical tasks, Reuters reported.

Also Read: Meta reaches out to influencers like MrBeast and Mark Rober to make Facebook cool again: Report

Meta also plans to launch its AI virtual assistant as a stand-alone app like their other products, Facebook and Instagram, reported CNBC.

In response to the plans for a Meta AI app, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took to X with a dig at the company, saying, “OK, fine, maybe we'll do a social app.”

Meta is also reportedly in talks to build a new data centre for its artificial intelligence (AI) projects, with potential costs likely to exceed $200 billion.

Meta's rival in the space, Microsoft, announced in January that it planned to invest around $80 billion in 2025 to develop data centres, while Amazon is projected to cross its 2024 budget of $75 billion for the same.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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