Meta’s AI-Forward Vision Takes Shape with New App Pocket
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has signaled a significant shift toward AI-driven social media, with the launch of Pocket serving as a tangible example of this strategy. The app aligns with Zuckerberg’s vision of interactive AI experiences that users can share. This development follows Meta’s hiring of engineers from Atma Sciences Inc., the creators of the Gizmo app, as Business Insider reported in March. Meta secured a non-exclusive license to use Atma’s technology, and screenshots of Pocket on Google Play suggest a design similar to Gizmo.
What Makes Pocket Different From Traditional Social Media?
Pocket’s description on Google Play highlights its unique features: “Scroll a feed of gizmos from people around the world,” the app claims. These “gizmos” respond to touch, tilt, and sound, integrating camera access and user-generated content. Meta’s help center describes gizmos as “playable AI-generated experiences,” allowing users to remix shared content.
Availability Hurdles and Strategic Moves
Despite its innovative features, Pocket faces immediate challenges. Two Verge staffers reported that the app is unavailable in the U.S., with a Google Play note stating, “not available in your country.” The app is also absent from Apple’s App Store. Meta’s help center confirms the app is “not yet available everywhere.”
How Does Pocket Compare to Gizmo?
Pocket’s similarities to Gizmo, the app developed by Atma Sciences, are striking. The hiring of engineers from Atma Sciences Inc. and the app’s design suggest a similarity to Gizmo.
What This Means for the Future of Social Media
Meta’s move underscores a growing trend: AI is becoming the backbone of social platforms. Pocket’s focus on interactivity sets it apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pocket not available in the U.S.?
Pocket’s Google Play listing states it is “not available in your country,” and the app is absent from Apple’s App Store. Meta’s help center notes the app is “not yet available everywhere.”
What can users do with Pocket?
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Worth a look