In a recent YouTube interview, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his belief that the future of AI does not lie in a single all-encompassing entity. Instead, he emphasized the value of open source technology and the importance of having a multitude of AI tools accessible to many people.

Zuckerberg criticized unnamed competitors who he believes are too focused on creating a single AI, comparing their approach to thinking they are "creating God." He argued against the notion of hoarding AI technology and expressed his disinterest in building a "one true AI." According to Zuckerberg, the tech industry should embrace diversity and create a variety of AIs that cater to different interests and needs.

Meta made a significant announcement alongside the interview, revealing early tests of its AI Studio software in the United States. The software allows creators and others to build AI avatars for interaction through Instagram's messaging system. These AI avatars will be able to respond to questions and engage in lighthearted conversations, clearly identified as "AI" to avoid confusion.

Zuckerberg also commented on the company's efforts beyond smartphones. He discussed the progress of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which he believes will have a more immediate impact on the market compared to full holographic displays. By incorporating cameras, microphones, speakers, and multimodal AI capabilities, Zuckerberg expressed confidence in creating a great user experience without the need for a display. This approach not only keeps costs down but also allows for the exploration of new possibilities.

The Meta CEO shared his vision for the future, foreseeing a progression from display-less smart glasses to a heads-up display and eventually full holographic displays. He even speculated about the potential of future wearable devices, such as wristbands, that could pick up signals from the brain to communicate with neural interfaces. According to Zuckerberg, these inputs and AI experiences may not entirely replace smartphones but are likely to significantly reduce their usage, making them more intentional tools rather than reflexive devices.

While Zuckerberg acknowledged the historical trend of new technology coexisting with previous platforms, he stressed the increasing convenience and ease offered by AI-powered glasses. He predicted that in 10 years, smartphones might still be present, but their usage would be more purposeful, with people relying on glasses for tasks such as taking photos, asking AI questions, and messaging.

The Meta CEO's comments come shortly after reports of failed negotiations with Apple to integrate Meta's AIs into its operating systems. Apple raised concerns about Meta's privacy practices, resulting in a missed opportunity to reach billions of potential iPhone users.

Zuckerberg's advocate for open source and his emphasis on diversity in AI development reflect his vision for a future where technology is accessible to and caters to the varied interests and needs of individuals.