Meta's Muse AI agent tested: $500 in shopping, one task undone

Meta is pitching Muse as an AI agent for the masses, an assistant meant to take over the tedious tasks people put off. The Verge's Allison Johnson put that promise to a week-long test, running multiple requests in parallel and letting a suggested avatar named Marley work through them in virtual browser windows.

The results split along a clear line. Tasks that stay inside the browser — drafting an email, finding a replacement part, gathering quotes, building a shopping cart — went smoothly, and shopping proved the standout strength, even as one retail site blocked the agent for violating terms of service. Tasks that leave the browser did not: changing a security plan required a phone call, which Muse cannot make, though the reviewer notes that ability is said to be in the works.

The experiment also highlights a trust bargain. Within 40 minutes, the agent had a full name, address, credit card number, a photo of the backyard, and home security credentials. Whether that trade feels worthwhile may hinge on how Meta handles those details and whether saved time goes to more tasks or to the things people actually wanted to do.