Everything Meta could do with its new $2 billion AI agent

Meta has struggled to compete with industry-leading AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic. Here's how its acquisition of Chinese startup Manus could change that.

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Meta has acquired Singapore-based startup Manus.
• Manus went viral in March as the first general AI agent.
• The deal could help Meta to gain a competitive edge.

Meta announced on Monday that it's acquiring Manus, the China-founded startup that went viral earlier this year with the release of what was promoted as the first truly useful AI agent. The deal, which The Wall Street Journal reported was valued at over $2 billion, marks Meta's latest effort to push to the forefront of the AI race.

"Manus's exceptional talent will join Meta's team to deliver general-purpose agents across our consumer and business ...