Meta’s AI Tamagotchi Muse Charm: Why This DIY Maker Beat Zuckerberg to the Punch

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is pushing AI companionship into the physical world this holiday season with the Muse Charm, a wearable gadget that gives Meta’s AI a squishy, animated face reminiscent of a Tamagotchi. The device is designed to be a pocket-sized AI friend, but one maker argues there’s no need to buy it—because a homebrew version already exists. The DIY project, which predates Meta’s commercial release, replicates the core experience: a small screen displaying a cute AI face that reacts to interactions. This matters because it highlights the growing trend of AI companionship and the maker movement’s ability to innovate faster than tech giants. While Meta’s polished product may appeal to mainstream consumers, the DIY alternative shows that the underlying technology is accessible and customizable, raising questions about whether big tech can truly own the ‘cute AI’ niche. For those who love tinkering, the real charm may already be in their workshop.