AI Assistants Instinct and Meta's Muse Gain Ability to Make Phone Calls
TechCrunch reports two competing AI agents can now place calls on behalf of users to handle tasks like restaurant bookings and subscription cancellations.

Two rival artificial intelligence assistants, called Instinct and Meta's Muse, have each added the capability to make phone calls on behalf of users, according to a report published by TechCrunch on September 17, 2026.
Per the report, the new calling feature allows people to direct the AI agents to complete everyday tasks that traditionally require a live phone conversation, such as making restaurant reservations or canceling subscription services.
TechCrunch described the two tools as competing products, though the report did not provide further details on the companies behind Instinct or on the technical mechanisms enabling the calling function in either assistant.
The addition of calling abilities marks an expansion of what AI agents can do beyond text-based tasks, according to the outlet, positioning voice-based automation as a new area of competition between AI developers.
TechCrunch's report did not specify a rollout timeline, pricing, or availability details for the calling feature in either Instinct or Meta's Muse.
Sources
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles

Manus in Talks to Raise $500M at $4B Valuation After Meta Merger Collapse
The AI startup is reportedly seeking fresh funding as it resumes independent operations following a failed tie-up with Meta earlier this year.

Trump Says US Will Create an ‘AI Force’ Modeled on Space Force
The US president did not specify whether the initiative would involve establishing a new branch of the armed forces, according to TASS.

China Pushes Back on US Warnings to Slow AI Development, Guardian Reports
Beijing officials and businesses argue calls for caution are designed to preserve America's technological lead, according to a Guardian report

Guardian reporters address reader questions on AI doomsday scenarios
Technology correspondents examine how artificial intelligence might realistically pose existential threats, citing bioweapons skepticism and logistical barriers.

AI industry workers express skepticism about existential risk warnings
Multiple employees at leading AI companies doubt predictions that the technology could pose catastrophic threats to humanity.

Trump Announces Plans for 'AI Force' and Artificial Intelligence Tsar
President says his administration will not "hinder or stifle" the growth of artificial intelligence, amid ongoing warnings about the technology's risks
Comments
Loading comments…