Another Crazy Day in AI: Meta’s Assistant Goes Solo
- Wowza Team
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
Let’s catch you up—because AI news doesn’t stop, but you probably did for lunch.
Meta’s AI assistant just stepped out as a standalone app. Seamless, social, and powered by Llama 4—could it knock your current AI fave off the top spot?
Meanwhile, California’s testing AI to modernize government, from traffic flow to customer service. But lawmakers are asking: is it moving too fast to stay transparent?
And Google’s AI podcast tool just hit global mode with multilingual audio recaps. Your notes now talk back—in 50+ languages, no translator needed.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
Meta launches standalone assistant
California signs new AI agreements for government operations
NotebookLM’s audio overview gets multilingual upgrade
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Meta AI Steps Out
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
Why is Meta launching a standalone AI assistant now—and what makes it different?
Meta has rolled out its first Meta AI app, a standalone experience designed to bring its AI assistant closer to users—on their terms. While Meta AI has already been part of platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, this new release moves it into its own space, giving users more control, more personalization, and a chance to interact in ways that feel natural, especially through voice.
This announcement introduces a new direction: one where your digital assistant doesn’t just respond to your prompts—it gets to know you. Built on Meta’s latest Llama 4 model, the app supports both text and voice interactions, includes creative tools like image editing and generation, and offers a Discover feed where users can explore how others are engaging with the AI.
What’s in the first version of Meta’s AI app:
Conversations via text or voice, designed to feel more fluid and responsive
Early use of full-duplex voice tech that lets users speak naturally, without waiting for turns
Access to creative tools like image generation, editing, and document help
A Discover section that showcases real prompts and remixes from other users
Syncs with Ray-Ban smart glasses for on-the-go interactions
Conversations can continue across web, app, and glasses
Web support now includes image generation and search
Privacy and voice settings allow users to control what gets stored or shared
It’s still early days for Meta’s standalone AI assistant, and the app reflects that. Some features are experimental, and it’s clear there’s more to come. But what’s notable is the shift in how Meta is choosing to present its assistant—not just as something that shows up when you need help in an app, but as something you can engage with more intentionally.
This move raises questions about where digital assistants are headed: Will they become more personalized and proactive? Will users be open to interacting with AI outside of task-based prompts? And how will trust, privacy, and usefulness shape adoption? As with most things in AI, the technology is only part of the story—what really matters is how people end up using it, or if they do at all.
Read the full announcement here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
California Signs New AI Agreements for Government Operations
/Megan Myscofski, Statehouse/Politics Reporter, on CapRadio
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced new agreements with tech companies to incorporate generative AI into state government operations. The tools are already being tested in areas like traffic safety and customer service and aim to boost efficiency and engagement. While the governor touts it as a bold move toward modernizing government, California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office raised concerns over the project’s pace and lack of cost transparency. With plans to launch finalized projects as early as July, lawmakers are urging more oversight.
Read more here.
NotebookLM’s Audio Overview Gets Multilingual Upgrade
/Sabrina Ortiz, Senior Editor, on ZDNET
Google's AI-powered NotebookLM just got a major upgrade: its popular Audio Overview feature now supports more than 50 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and Hindi. The tool transforms uploaded content into conversational podcast-style summaries with AI hosts — and it performs impressively well in other languages. In testing, the AI-generated Spanish version stayed accurate and natural, proving useful for studying, language learning, and accessibility. It’s another big step in making generative AI more multilingual and globally accessible.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is on LinkedIn!!!
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