Meta AI Muse Spark: A guide to Meta's AI models
Meta has introduced Muse Spark as its new flagship AI model, replacing the open-weight Llama series with a closed, multimodal system, alongside new tools like Muse Glimmer and Muse Code.
Meta has replaced its open-weight Llama AI models with Muse Spark, a closed, multimodal reasoning model designed for advanced tool use and agentic behaviors. Unlike its predecessors, Muse Spark is proprietary and unavailable for local download or self-hosting, marking a strategic shift toward closed systems. The model supports visual and text analysis, web searches, and task delegation to sub-agents, positioning it as a competitor to frontier models from OpenAI and Anthropic. Current public access to Muse Spark is slightly less powerful than versions available to select partners.
Muse Glimmer, an open-weight model with 30 billion parameters, enables local AI agent operation on consumer hardware like Macs or PCs with GPUs. Available via Hugging Face, it prioritizes accessibility over raw power, performing comparably to similar models from Gemma and Qwen families. Meta’s decision to maintain an open model reflects ongoing commitment to community-driven AI development despite the broader pivot to closed systems. Glimmer’s successors are expected to evolve alongside Muse Spark’s advancements.
Muse, Meta’s personal AI assistant app, operates through a virtual Linux cloud computer called Muse Secure VM, allowing agentic tasks like browsing, purchasing, and app integration. A secondary agent, Sentinel, monitors actions for safety, while the app continues running even when the user’s device is off. The app’s features, including automated marketplace tasks and restaurant searches, have driven it to the top of iOS and Android download charts, highlighting its growing user adoption.
Muse Code, a terminal-based coding agent for macOS, Linux, and Windows, leverages Muse Spark and offers competitive performance in benchmarks against models like Grok and DeepSeek. Priced at $5, $15, and $50 monthly tiers, it undercuts competitors like Claude’s $20–$200 plans, appealing to users seeking cost-effective alternatives. Meta AI, integrated into Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, now relies on Muse Spark, with developers able to access it via API or through Zapier for workflow automation across 9,000+ apps.