Meta's Muse Charm looks like a Tamagotchi, but it's tapping into a much newer trend

Meta's new Muse Charm is being evaluated for its potential to make AI more accessible, contrasting with previous AI hardware failures like the Ai Pin and Rabbit. The device aligns with a growing trend among Gen Z consumers for decorative, retro-inspired accessories, similar to the popularity of bag charms and the revival of older tech gadgets. This trend is exemplified by the success of items like Hailey Bieber's Rhode lip case and the Labubu craze, which significantly boosted Pop Mart's revenue. The global bag charm market is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2030. The Muse Charm's customizable avatar feature allows users to express their personality, mirroring the appeal of such accessories. Its design also evokes nostalgia for the Tamagotchi, but more relevantly, it taps into the growing trend of using Apple Watch keychains and charms as fashion accessories, popularized on platforms like TikTok. This phenomenon intersects with a broader retro-tech movement, where older devices like digital cameras and flip phones are seeing a resurgence, driven by a desire for less algorithm-dependent and more tangible technology experiences.